Talking Statues was a project which animated some of the statues in Norwich and our very own friend Thomas Browne is one of them. The statues launched on Saturday 8 September 2018 and ran till September 2019 - here's a link to the EDP article.
To 'hear' a statue, you had to find it and then with your smartphone scan the code on the sticker in front of the statue. When you are ready, hit 'go' on your screen and the statue will phone you and tell you about himself or herself. Unfortunately it is not a two-way conversation but well worth the trouble. Sir Thomas Browne's piece was written by George Szirtes and voiced by Adam Buxton. Hear it here
To 'hear' a statue, you had to find it and then with your smartphone scan the code on the sticker in front of the statue. When you are ready, hit 'go' on your screen and the statue will phone you and tell you about himself or herself. Unfortunately it is not a two-way conversation but well worth the trouble. Sir Thomas Browne's piece was written by George Szirtes and voiced by Adam Buxton. Hear it here
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There were ten Talking Statues in Norwich. One of them being our friend:
THOMAS BROWNE HAYMARKET/HAY HILL, Norwich written by: George Szirtes animated by: Adam Buxton "Browne's voice has a lovely but courteous informality, the informality of a practical man of great curiosity in the act of thinking and musing. I thought he should introduce himself as he might to a modern stranger and to mention his work and interests. He might even be a little modest or ironic, about his "trifles and profundities" George Szirtes Artist: Henry Alfred Pegram Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682) was a polymath and author whose varied and original works demonstrate the vast scope of his interests and learning. Browne was deeply curious of the natural world and had a keen interest in the burgeoning field of scientific enquiry. His writings range in subjects from science and medicine to the religious and esoteric. His writing style is equally diverse, making his body of work very difficult to categorise. Browne chose to settle in Norwich to practice medicine and spent the majority of his years in the city. Once you have listened to Thomas, explore ‘Homage to Thomas Browne’ the objects/sculptures at Thomas’ feet, designed by Anne & Patrick Poirier. Visit Thomas’ grave at St Peter Mancroft Church next door to his statue. Learn more about Thomas at his dedicated website (http://www.sirthomasbrowne.org.uk) produced by The Shift Norwich(www.theshiftnorwich.org.uk) View documents and other materials relating to Thomas at the Norfolk Records office(http://www.archives.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC About Talking Statues
If statues could talk, what stories would they tell? Ten of Norwich’s historic statues have been given the gift of the gab! Stephen Fry and Olivia Colman are amongst the writers and actors bringing the city’s statues to life. Together, they tell Norwich’s story. Talking Statues, designed by Sing London, has seen statues brought to life in London, Manchester, Dublin and Chicago. Now local production company Creative Nation are bringing the project to Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature with the help of partner organisations across the city. Working with the National Centre for Writing, they have commissioned some of Norwich’s most celebrated writers and actors, alongside emerging local talent, to give Norwich’s statues a voice. Some approaches are dramatic, others comic and others pure flights of fantasy. All aim to persuade the public to look at the statues, and their place within the city, with new eyes. The project is over but the ten statues are still there. You can't scan the QR codes any more but you can visit the statues and also find out more and hear the ten pieces here
The statues are: • Lord Nelson - Written and voiced by Stephen Fry. In the Cathedral Close. How does Nelson feel about how we have chosen to remember him, and how did being from Norfolk make him the man he was? • Julian of Norwich - Written by Sarah Perry and voiced by Olivia Colman. Also at the Cathedral, Julian wants to tell you a story about how she came to be here, if you could spare her a moment? • Peace - Written and voiced by Molly Naylor. At the junction of Agricultural Hall Plain and Castle Meadow. Peace wants to talk to you about her role and what she can see from up high. • The City Hall Lions - Written by Karl Minns and voiced by The Nimmo Twins. At the front steps of City Hall. The Lions have 80 years of history to share with you, from their unique perspective of the city. • Thomas Browne - Written by George Szirtes and voiced by Adam Buxton. In the Haymarket. Thomas is reflective of his life, work and persona. • Will Kempe - Written and voiced by Luke Wright. In Chapelfield Gardens. Having been so energetic in life, Will has lots to say about his current situation! • Peter the Wild Boy - Written by Alexander Gordon Smith and voiced by Keith Skipper. In Bridewell Alley. Allegedly mute in real life, what has Peter got to say for himself and what accent might he have? • Amelia Opie - Written by Megan Bradbury and voiced by Zoe Telford. On Opie Street. Amelia would like to tell you what motivated and drove her in life and her work. • Snap the Dragon - located at the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Snap is the subject of our Under 16’s public writing competition. (More below). • Missing Statue - located at the Church of St John Maddermarket, this post reformation space is the subject of our Over 16’s public writing competition. |
This is a past project. For more information please see:
www.talkingstatuesnorwich.co.uk #talkingstatuesnorwich on social media. Facebook: @talkingstatuesnorwich Twitter: @StatuesNorwich Instagram: talkingstatuesnorwich Hear the Thomas Browne piece here, written by George Szirtes and voiced by Adam Buxton
https://soundcloud.com/creative-nation/thomas-browne-voiced-by-george-szirtes-adam-buxton |