Big Ben Lying Down with Political Books

We were proud to once again provide our services to the Manchester International Festival (MIF21). We love the challenges their projects present and the chance to help create something completely unique and groundbreaking.

The installation entitled Big Ben Lying Down with Political Books is a colossal 42m replica of Big Ben. Lying almost horizontal and covered in 20,000 copies of books that have shaped British politics. This temporary landmark is designed to inspire new conversations about what we value – drawing from Manchester’s unique and independent spirit and is a joyful invitation for us to re-imagine our national symbols – and to unite around democracy and equality.

This is the first major UK commission by Argentine artist Marta Minujín, who creates extraordinary large-scale artworks and participatory performances that put socially engaged art at the heart of everyday life. MIF commissioned and produced this amazing work.

Keyteq were called upon to design and install the internal lighting & video screens for the structure.The fixture of choice was Chauvet’s Q40 Led wash light and 38 of these were installed to create an even and consistent light.