Neil Brownsword (1970, UK) is an artist, senior lecturer and researcher at Bucks New University, as well as professor in Clay and Ceramics at Bergen Academy of Art and Design. His PhD (2006) combined historical and archaeological research on ceramic production in North Staffordshire from the eighteenth century to the present, and the creation of a body of artwork in response to this. He is co-leader of the artistic research project Topographies of the Obsolete along with Anne Helen Mydland.
The former Spode factory has enabled an exploration of site and its redundant production infrastructure, itself as 'material' to extend socio-political gestures. This is not from the perspective of the 'apocalypse tourist', but from an immersed practice that continues a deep respect for people, place and the histories of labour. Several lines of enquiry have emerged which explore the 'human waste' and abject neglect of an industrial community in the throes of global capitalism.
"Vis Unita Fortior (United Strength is Stronger)" shows the former Union Room restaged in the former Blue Room.
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