WetLab
WetLab was a temporary floating laboratory created by Rhianon and Carlotta from public works in collaboration with Ross and Hannah from Sheffield-based design and research practice Assembly. It used the canal network as site as well as subject. It was a space where creative minds including artists, architects, scientists, engineers, technologists and cooks invited the public to explore the biological and social ecology of the waterways, and together envisage potential future uses for the canal in local areas of north west England.
WetLab began its journey at the National Waterways Museum, where over three days it highlighted systems of care and culture in and around canals, exploring the impact of climate change and pollution on waterways, while celebrating the networks that exist in the local area. These public events were facilitated by the teams that care for the mighty yet ageing and delicate vessels at the museum, and by ecologists who work with the rich and resilient local biodiversity of the canals and canal-banks. This included opportunities to observe demonstrations and take part in workshops including a morning tea ceremony, canal walks and an exploration of turning prevalent and invasive canal species into combustible biomass, and loaves of bread.
The North West was historically a central hub for industry and a trade point for the world, and so WetLab pondered questions around the renewed potential for the waterways today. The laboratory kitchen considered the rich but often overlooked resources and ingredients provided by the canal: from transforming infesting weeds into both combustible biomass fuel and edible matter for delicious meals, to re-forming plastic waste into simple DIY prototypes for alternative floating food growing systems.
WetLab toured from the National Waterways Museum in Elsemere Port (11-13 June 2021) to Reedley Marina in Burnley (15-18 July 2021), and on to Pennington Flash, Leigh (6-8 August 2021).
WetLab was designed and programmed by public works + Assembly. The project was commissioned by Abandon Normal Devices and Super Slow Way and produced by Abandon Normal Devices for AND Festival 2021. Delivered in partnership with Canal & River Trust and Wigan Council. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Made with help and advice from Joshua B. Guinto, Specialist in Appropriate Technology, based in the Phillipines. Built by Freddie Wiltshire and supported by Angharad Davies, both members of public works.
