Gang Days

Vulpes Vulpes will investigate the history of land usage and ownership within and around the University of Bath site, through walks, night time mapping and urban exploration. During the residency the group will look at local folklore and geology, changing land use and migration of people, identifying objects and stories to use as starting points. They will connect with local community groups, as well as working with academics in the University departments to develop a series of social gatherings and public events, as part of an interdisciplinary and socially engaged project. Gang days is an interactive sculptural installation pieced together from exploration and mapping activities undertaken by Vulpes Vulpes during their spring residency. They have been investigating ancient and modern folklore especially concerning standing stones and boundaries, looking at the history of the University of Bath site and speculating about pre-historical use of land. Drawing connections between the ancient Stanton Drew stone circles and the smaller standing stones in Bushy Norwood (near The Edge), they are also incorporating their own experience of the land into this project. Stones are often sites of activity; assembly, worship, exchange or conference – acquisition of knowledge; ancient monuments with fluctuating meanings and purposes. Some of their history is uncovered by geological surveys and excavations, but many elements remain a mystery, to be explained with stories. Contemporary folklore is always evolving through oral testimony and gossip. Standing stones can be sites of contemplation, spirituality or frivolity… but are these chosen sites special in terms of geology? Or because of events which have occurred on this land?