Speedwell

Speedwell is a large-scale art installation that has transformed the Mount Batten Breakwater in Plymouth into a public forum for discussion and debate about the impact and legacy of the Mayflower's journey, colonialism and the ecological state of our planet during the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

Created by local artist collective Still/Moving, 'Speedwell' was funded by Arts Council England and Plymouth Culture as part of Mayflower 400.

Measuring 63m long and 6m high, 'Speedwell' will use illuminated signage comprising 3,723 LED lights to invite viewers to ask complex questions about themselves, the damaged planet and the legacy of the pivotal journeys made by the Mayflower and its companion ship the Speedwell.

It offers multiple readings; constantly shifting between words that are lit up and questioning the historic conceit that there ever was a 'New World'. The artwork will remain illuminated through September, October and November 2020.

Speedwell lights being switched off to mark National Day of Mourning

Created by local artist collective Still/Moving, 'Speedwell' has lit up lit up Mount Batten Pier in Plymouth UK since September, but now the time has come to 'extinguish' this large-scale art installation.

This Thursday, 26 November, the words 'NO NEW WORLDS' will shine out until dusk, when the artwork will switch off for the remaining duration of its installation (until Sunday 29 November) as part of the US National Day of Mourning.

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Read: Speedwell is launched

Read the story of Speedwell as it is launched in Plymouth

The installation is inspired by the events of 1620 when passengers on board the Mayflower set sail to settle in what they called the 'New World', a world already home to indigenous people.

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Watch: Re-informed with Still/Moving

We speak to the team behind Speedwell, in our latest Re-informed interview.

The project's creators are local art collective Still/Moving, a community interest company who were inspired by the events of 1620, when passengers on board the Mayflower set sail to settle in what they called the 'New World', a world already home to indigenous people.

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Watch
Event: Speedwell

'Speedwell' is a large-scale art installation which is currently lighting up Plymouth, UK.

It has transformed the Mount Batten Breakwater into a public forum for discussion and debate about the impact and legacy of the ship's journey, colonialism and the ecological state of our planet during the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

More info
Read more
Watch: Re-informed: Speedwell

For this Re-informed video we return to Speedwell, the large-scale art installation that has transformed the Mount Batten Breakwater in Plymouth.

The artists who created the installation respond to some of the public’s thoughts and feedback to the artwork and we speak to the team of volunteer Mayflower Makers who have been canvassing public opinion - as well as getting their thoughts on what Speedwell represents.

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Read: 'In Conversation' with Still/Moving

Throughout the duration of Speedwell's installation in Plymouth, a series of 'In Conversation' talks will be held between Still/Moving and invited speakers to discuss some of the themes raised by the project.

Speedwell has transformed the Mount Batten Breakwater in Plymouth into a public forum for discussion and debate about the impact and legacy of the Mayflower's journey, colonialism and the ecological state of our planet during the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

More info
Read more

Speedwell lights being switched off to mark National Day of Mourning

Read: Speedwell is launched

Watch: Re-informed with Still/Moving

Event: Speedwell

Watch: Re-informed: Speedwell

Read: 'In Conversation' with Still/Moving

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