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Project Pigeon
Alexandra Lockett & Ian England

Lockett and England’s practice is centred around collaboration with constituencies on the edge of society. This, coupled with their interests in nature’s relationship with culture, as well as traditional and contemporary modes of communication, makes pigeon keeping the perfect vehicle for their investigations.

After twelve months of research with local pigeon racing clubs, the artists built a loft from reclaimed materials, in which to keep their own brood. The loft echoes those they have visited, with additional features borrowed from past traditions: the red and white perches and colourful exterior mimic the pigeon lofts from a time when it was thought pigeons were attracted home by the brightly coloured patterns.

Fifteen pigeons were kindly donated to the artists by local pigeon breeders, which Lockett & England trained and raced during 2009 season with the Aston & District Flying Club.

The artists opened the loft every Sunday throuhout the summer 2009 for members of the public to look around and find out more about their experiences.

In August an exhibition of artwork was delivered by pigeon to form the exhibition Pictorial. Curated by Lockett & England, it featured work by Justin Carter, Lisa Cheung, Tom Dale, Ole Hagen, Ming de Nasty, Lindsey Seers, and Simon Woolham. A GPS system was attached to one pigeon, giving an insight into it's fascinating ability to return home. Members of the public were invited to watch the pigeons arrive back at the loft. The exhibition was created as the birds flew in, enaling the crowd to share in the sense of anticipation that the artists feel on a daily basis.

In addition to the public programme, the artists have been running workshops for participants in the Birmingham Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme. The group havebeen learning about all aspects of pigeon keeping, whilst helping train the birds to race fitness.

A publication to document this multi-faceted project, was launched in November 2009 as part of The Event. There are still copies available, contact info@insertspace.org.uk if you would like a copy.

The artists are continuing this project, breeding to expand the brood, and entering races competitavely in 2010. They are now official members of Aston & District Flying Club, and hope to make a film with Birmingham based artist Chris Keenan. You can find more information at www.weareeastside.com

A visual diary artist's activities can be found at www.flickr.com/pigeonproject

This project was kindly supported by Arts C ouncil England and The Rea Garden.

Special thanks to Aston & District Flying Club for their invaluable advice, support and most of all fun!