Peter Coates

Commissioned by The Canal and Rivers Trust - The Commemorative Lockgates Project is part of CRT’s programme of contemporary art on the waterways. Working with poets Roy Fisher, Jo Bell and Ian McMillan to develop a series of slogans rendered onto the balance beams of new replacement lock gates. The work was carved, gilded and painted at the two CRT lock gate manufacturing workshops at Stanley Ferry, Wakefield and Bradley, Wolverhampton. Lock Locations: Gargrave, N. Yorks. Milnsbridge, W.Yorks, Birmingham, Hillmorton, Warwicks. Installed by CRT.

“ Within the necessary practical, conservation and financial constraints of incorporating art into working heritage waterways, the aim was to inspire new visitors and supporters to the canals and rivers across a wide geographical reach”.

Canal and Rivers Trust.

"I'm even more pleased with the font (sic) you used for my words. I have a long-standing grumble with my medium - ordinary English - in that on a page it comes across softer and milder than I want it to do. Your bit of angularity suggests the presence of bones and joints".

Roy Fisher

photography: Porl Medlock