This sound installation is inspired by Middlesbrough’s early days as a monastic cell, possibly consecrated by St Cuthbert, maintained by the order of Benedictine monks. Gareth and Toby have collaborated with the Benedictine monks from Ampleforth Abbey, local community choirs, orchestras and musicians and combined this with the sounds of the railway station itself to produce a harmonious soundscape and sonic experience within the space.
Working with the important role of spirituality and trains within the history of the region, the sound installation is produced in co-creation with the residents of Middlesbrough using historical and contemporary traditions of voice and music. In Winter 2024 the work will inhabit the arches of platform one and play throughout the opening hours of the train station through a selection of material; never playing the same thing twice.
Gareth Hudson is a video installation artist, artist filmmaker and lecturer, originally from Durham and now based in Newcastle. He works with the moving image in all its guises. His work is concerned with the contemporary sublime, spiritual or transcendent experience, and examining how moving image and installation can shape our relationship to these themes within liminal spaces.
Toby Thirling is a sound recordist and sound artist with a track record of working in collaboration with award winning creatives, global brands, channels & production companies. His work aims to provide a unique auditory experience that transcends the everyday, fostering sublime connections which invite listeners to explore deeper layers of consciousness and reflect on their own inner journeys.