LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES LANGSTONE GATE RE-EMERGES

(19/06/07)

A fantastic evening was had by all last Thursday night when Seaward Properties Limited launched their recent acquisition ‘Langstone Gate’, a landmark office building in Langstone Gate, Havant. Art, business and architecture combined to create an evening of events that took place throughout the building and presented the opportunity to take a tour around the refurbished office suites.

The event appropriately named Resurgence marked a rebirth for the building, previously known as the De La Rue, which had stood empty for the past 5 years. The theme of the exhibition was regeneration and renewal and showcased the work of over 60 contemporary artists from the south of England.

Deputy Mayor of Havant, Mr John Smith opened the evening and thanked Hosts Seaward for regenerating Langstone Gate, creating jobs for local people and for providing a platform for local artists. The exhibition itself was superbly organised and curated by Lyn Unsworth and Kate Saunders of Purple Dot, supported by Havant Art Centre and attended by a staggering 500+ guests, including Havant Arts Centre users, prospective tenants, local businesses and those interested in contemporary art. Caterers Red Mango provided a delightful selection of beautifully made and presented canapés and the drinks flowed freely. David Geering, Commercial Manager of Seaward Properties who has overseen the development from it’s inception extended thanks to all those involved in the project and all who attended.

Contemporary dancer Detta Howe performed 2 dances especially created for the event, drawing inspiration from the space and its use for the occasion; Karah Benford whose work is based on words, timing, actions and fictional personal memories gave a poignant reading and further entertainment was provided by Helsinki Band and VJ Performance, who blend music and video projection, to show the work of Denise Callender.

Other artists include Kate Viner who has previously worked with Seaward at their Chichester Wharf development and Jeannie Driver, whose installation SPIKE is to tour around the country; SPIKE is an artist intervention project working with business and office workers exploring the issues of paperwork, flow production and waste whilst facilitating a space for the acknowledgement and expression of emotion within the office environment. Grantly Lynch produced several pieces as a collaborative project with The Mary Rose Trust to show the Trust’s work in a creative and contemporary way.

A majority of the artwork featured is for sale and can be viewed in situ until 29 June. Seaward have already purchased several pieces from artists Pippa Blake, Jon Snape and Ian Banfield. Banfield’s work investigates colour and explores the physical properties of the material. Of particular relevance is his triptych of the land on which Langstone Gate is built, and it is intended that this work will remain on permanent display in the building.

The exhibition is open to the public Monday to Saturday between the hours of 10am and until 29 June and works can be viewed and purchased.

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