Been looking at old ordinance survey(OS) maps in the local library they are more calligraphic and flowing than their modern counterparts. Some of these maps go back over a 150 years which is the sort of time frame that interest me. The maps were regularly re-published every twenty years or so, with updates and changes.
When comparing maps, the changes became very apparent. Starting with the earliest maps I could see a radial growth from the center, evidence of new replacing old. Swathes of woodland disappear as time moves on. I suppose any place is patch worked in this way, bits being added, removed and replaced. Some maps reveal significant social changes, workhouses were indicated on maps from the nineteenth century and maps from the 1950's onwards show evidence of social planning at that time, with the appearance of large estates and schools and the infrastructure that supports them.
As I understand it any map which is fifty years or older can be freely used without infringing copyright. If you wish to use more recent maps you need to contact the OS and seek permission. Many people think that the laws governing the usage of this type of material should be freed up in order that full creative use can be made of them. I intend starting my project next year (Feb time) so now seems a good time to approach the OS and clear my proposed usage.
Newport my home town is situated in South Wales and lies on the banks of the river Usk. You can’t miss the river it bisects the city, numerous bridges link up the two sides of the river. You might have heard of the famous transporter bridge (www.crowpoint.co.uk/transporter_bridge/). An electric powered gondola passes between the tall towers, When I was a kid a journey across it was an exciting event it felt as if you were going to a another distant place -us Welsh don’t expect a lot.
The river has one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world, at low tide the sticky mud banks are exposed. Many find these mud banks ugly, but I quite like them and they are home to lots of different types of birds who also seem to like them. Newport is a port city with a rich history, its home to a diverse population, the city has been described as being ugly and post industrial. Well it is a bit rundown but all that is changing, the city is being redeveloped, a new bridge has been built, extensive demolition is taking place combined with the creation of a new shopping centre, we will even have a Debenhams store! All this change has created a feeling of hope and optimism for a better future.
In 1839 Newport was the scene of the chartist uprising. The Chartists advocated electoral reform and sought political rights for a wider stratum of society than what was then included. You still sense that commitment to social justice and helping the disadvantaged in Newport today. There’sa emphasis on providing decent housing and improving peoples living conditions. I was brought up in one of the many council estates that lie around the city. Its sort of an ideal, that can have a funny side. I do get a bit fed up with the classical music (Of the stirring type) that they pipe into the bus station each morning.
Cities grow and change over time, new replaces old, new roads bridges redefine connectivity within a place. My project is based on the idea that we can most readily see this change by comparing maps from different periods in history My home city of Newport (in South Wales)is a place undergoing drastic change, there’s extensive demolition and the centre of the city is being drastically remodeled. This has caused me to reflect on the nature and character of this place and wonder how that may change. Of course any place is a accumulation of past changes, minor and major. It will be interesting to try and disentangle this. I’ve been thinking about this for a year now, I presented my ideas to some of the art professionals in the city, I think I was a bit red faced and inarticulate, but my enthusiasm seemed to grab them and they have endorsed my idea. My exhibition will show in our new arts centre The Riverfront recently built and itself part of the regeneration of the city.
