How Happy a State Does a Miller Possess

For this project, we commissioned four artists to create new work, situated in selected public houses in Digbeth. This district, a long time industrial area, is home to a great number of pubs of varying ages and styles, each with its own atmosphere and communities. Many are still managed by families that hold a wealth of local knowledge and stories.

 

 

 

 

Marcus Coates performed a shaman ritual in The Lamp Tavern on behalf of its regulars. He sought to find resolutions to questions asked by the pub's customers, by making contact with animal spirits.

The film of this performance was premiered at The Lamp Tavern on Sunday 15th April. Thanks to Eddie Fitzgerald, landlord, and John and Anne Tighe of The Spotted Dog for putting us all to shame with their glamourous attire!

The Lamp Tavern can be found at 157 Barford Street, Birmingham, B5 6AH.


Blue Firth worked with the staff and regulars at The Spotted Dog (Warwick Street), to develop a vinyl floor 'spell', which was situated in the pub for the duration of The Event. The spell was based upon a Chaucerian hangover cure, and imagery from the Book of Kells. The spell was left on the pub floor to naturally wear away.

The Spotted Dog 104, Warwick St, Digbeth, Birmingham, B12 0NH.


Leo Fitzmaurice worked with the framed prints and other paraphernalia in The Old Crown. He replaced some of them with a blurred version, to create a new set of images and objects, subtly changing them for the more observent, and compelling us to question the role of the existing decor and our relationship to it.#

The Old Crown, 188 High Street, Deritend, Birmingham, B12 0LD.


Tim Machin created a 'pub walk' guide, which takes you on a journey around the many and varied public houses in Digbeth.

The guide was available to collect from the pubs mentioned above. You can still find some of them on the wall at The Lamp Tavern.

The Event was organised by Birmingham Contemporary Art Forum, a recently established group of artist-led organisations in the city. For more information, please visit www.the-event.org.