New art installation unveiled at library

Peter King shows his piece entitled ‘Emily’

A new art installation has been unveiled at Rochdale’s new library. The piece, entitled ‘Emily’ is situated in the new children’s library in Number One Riverside on Smith Street.

The new work, by local artist Peter King, sees a series of motion-sensitive, book-shaped light-boxes suspending from the ceiling to fill the library atrium below.

Emily is an open-armed young girl encouraging young readers to fulfil their potential and reminding them ‘the sky is the limit’.

Explaining his inspiration, Peter King said: “Children’s fearless ambition and imagination inspired me to create this reminder to our next generation that they should always remain in touch with their creativity. That every great thing started off as a single thought, as did every book in this library.”

Peter’s love of the natural world has been incorporated into the original lighting installation, chosen out of three unique designs and taking two weeks to create and install.

When illuminated the artwork casts light across the library’s atrium and the unique daylight tubing brings the illusion of the outdoors inside. Commissioned by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Emily makes use of the latest energy saving technologies with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that are longer lasting and reduce carbon emissions by two thirds.

Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development and customer services at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “This is a really unique and stimulating piece that is a testament to local talent and compliments our modern, purpose-built building adding to its inspirational learning and social environment.”

Peter, 35, was previously commissioned by the council to create the fresco in the Feel Good Café that opened last year. He spent 10 years working in the building trade before putting his skills to artistic and creative use. This unique transition from tradesman to artist has enabled him to showcase his craft in a creative space.

Peter added: “Feature lighting can be used to compliment any space for commercial and domestic decoration. Energy efficient natural daylight illusions are being used in commercial environments, not only as a remarkable piece of artwork, but also to enhance well being in the workplace.”