Temporary artwork installed on Seascale water tower

A temporary artwork has been installed on Seascale’s old water tower today.

Created by British artist Ryan Gander, ‘Chronos Kairos, 23:59’ is a machined stainless steel clock that appears to have been made twice and does not move.

It aims to explore the complexities and experience of time and is one of a series of artworks Cumberland Council said they are planning to unveil as part of its wider coastal improvement programme.

The improvement programme is being funded by the UK Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd’s Six Social Impact Multiplied programme.

The planned series of artworks was originally called the ‘Deep Time’ project – but the website for Deep Time was taken down earlier this year without explanation.

Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s director of place sustainable growth and transport, said: “The coastal programme aims to strengthen the coastal destination offer for both residents and visitors and increase sustainable employment opportunities by shining the spotlight on Cumbria’s largely undiscovered stretch of coastline.

“Public art adds yet another dimension to the coast, which already offers striking natural and industrial landscapes, including the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall.

“It’s where the mountains meet the sea, where dunes offer shelter, where there is an abundance of wildlife and where history can be uncovered.

“Seascale water tower is a great location for this temporary installation and has been made possible by the kind permission of Seascale Parish Council.”

In addition to the Ryan Gander sculpture, the council said it has supported Lake District National Park Authority with the development of the Eskdale Trail, which features local artist Chris Brammell.

The council has also said it is working with other partners and will be revealing further smaller-scale commissioned artworks during 2024 installed in various coastal locations, with the next installation to be revealed in Whitehaven later in the spring.

The Seascale artwork will remain in place until the end of 2024.

The coastal improvement programme was first launched in March 2019 and aimed to bring art installations, adventure activities and infrastructure developments to the coast between Millom and Whitehaven.

As part of the development, a state-of-the-art beach café for Silecroft has also been developed. It was earmarked to be completed by last September, however, work remains ongoing at the site.

The initial programme launch said it would create an augmented climbing wall at Muncaster Castle, an inclusive cycling centre, 1.4km of new cyclepaths, 1.8km of new or improved footpaths, 10 art installations and digital apps, signs and maps.

It is unclear what, if any, of these developments have gone ahead.

Last year, the council said a running festival, several new cycle and footpaths and ‘Deep Time’ – now a series of coastal artworks – have been created as part of the scheme.