Occupation

Research and installation.
Commissioned by Canal & River Trust, Worcester.
2017 – 18

An eight-month long durational work built on a man-made island on the River Severn in Worcester.

After researching the history of the Island - which involves canal and waterway maintenance, military sensitivity, flooding, life, livelihoods and work - the work was created to rekindle a sense of activity and production once again. Over the eight month period a new 'village' appeared on the Island, made of simple stilt houses. As people passed by on the towpath for regular walks they would notice as the houses appeared one by one, and then as their appearance changed as Rich continually painted and repainted them.

There were also a series of visit days where small groups were invited on to the Island and given a tour by Rich and a former Island employee.

Thanks to: Cathy Mager, Manda Graham, Rebecca Farkas, Joyce, John Weston, The Bradley Family, and Tim Booker, Nick Trow, Shaun, Dave, Gill and Canal & River Trust employees and volunteers.

Dedicated project blog.

Part of The Ring.

COUNTERWORK.CO.UK

Updated 09 / 11 / 2023

Sculpture by Rich White (cc) by-nc-sa 2024
Site by design