News Archive: Elizabeth Castle

After Variable 4 Elizabeth Castle

Over the Channel to Jersey, and across the St Helier causeway to the ramparts of Elizabeth Castle, the recent four-day Variable 4 installation at Branchage was a true adventure. We inhabited the castle (below) for almost the duration, housed in a WWII bunker beneath a grassy verge, overlooking oceanic vistas and craggy rocks.

Though we were continually buffeted by the promontory’s unceasing winds, Variable 4 has yet to break its curse of rainlessness: four consecutively dry days made for a temperate installation. Thanks to everybody who came to visit, and to all of the team at Branchage for their endless support.

We also owe thanks to BBC Radio Jersey, who replaced their normal MW programming with a continuous 18-hour marathon transmission of Variable 4. Possibly a first to be able to tune in on medium wave to the sound of weather-driven generative music. Apologies to any local listeners who wondered where your normal programming had disappeared to…

high tide, and we’re alone on elizabeth castle island. exploring the 6thC hermitage & neighbouring ww2 bunkers. http://t.co/hgU0Yw13


we’re now operational at @branchage, with our first night spent within elizabeth castle’s walls. blustering winds not dropping below 3m/s.


announcing the third appearance of variable 4! elizabeth castle, jersey, as part of @branchage (22-25 sept 2011) http://t.co/zXouE7S


Variable 4 Elizabeth Castle

It’s with great pleasure that we can announce the third appearance of Variable 4 — and the first overseas (albeit still within British territory). From 22nd to 25th September 2011, the piece will be installed at Elizabeth Castle, Jersey, in conjunction with the Branchage film festival.

Elizabeth Castle

This also the first time that the piece has operated over several days, running for roughly four days between 22nd and 25th. This is pretty exciting for us, as it means exposure to a much wider range of weather conditions.

Elizabeth Castle itself is just off the coast of St Helier, over a causeway which submerged outside of low tides. For the remainder of the time, it’s accessible via an aquatic vehicle (below). We’re already relishing the thought of loading up a van-full of meteorological and A/V equipment onto these little boats…

Elizabeth Castle ferry

Though sponsored by the festival, access to the installation itself will be free, bar the cost of the ferry trip.