Robert Frankle

Description

Salford Exchange reflects on one of the entrances to Manchester's Cold War nuclear tunnels, its urban setting, and how it is viewed in its context. The installation does not describe the site's purpose, only its name. As a result, viewers remain as ignorant of the Exchange's historical context as the passersby on the high street. They are rather invited to observe the structure and reflect on what its purpose might be.

The Salford entrance to the tunnels is on the Salford high street, Chapel St. As a result of new development in the area, the buildings around the Exchange were removed and the tunnel entrance was exposed. It was protected by a modern, vicious, barbed wire structure. Though it is on the Salford high street, it is an anonymous structure that passersby seem not to notice despite its anomalous appearance on the street and the seemingly random level of protection.

The installation includes a 3D sculpture highlighting the form of the special barbed wire barbed protecting the Exchange and transforming it into an aesthetic object. Black and white photos depict the barbed wire and the overall structure in its context. A video showing the four sides of the structure completes the installation.