27/07/07

The refinement of the plans for the Dr Johnson Tercentenary Installation are well and truly underway. Dean visited the Lichfield Guildhall this week and got a chance to get organised by viewing and photographing the intended space for the installation, the Guild Room.

The Guildhall in Bore Street has been central to the government of the City for over 600 years, and in former times was not only the meeting place of the Corporation but also at various times the court, prison, police station, theatre and fire station.

There are some features of the room that Dean had not anticipated in the original design stage, however rather than an obstacle to the work these extra elements will add to the fabric of the installation.

The installation is designed to encourage and promote interaction with Dr Johnson's dictionary as well as contemporary art practice and the result of the one day public event should culminate in the publication of a "revised" dictionary. Dean has had intial conversations about the work being published and although in the very early stages, this seems to be a positive and appropriate resolution for the work.