Lanternhouse

Below is a description of Lanternhouse that was written in 1999.

The TowerLanternhouse is Welfare State International's new centre for visitors, arts training, arts projects and global communication. It is an important part of the cultural regeneration of South Furness with an international role in demonstrating new prototypes of vernacular art in action.

The building was first opened through public subscription in 1834 as The National School and remained so until the mid 1930s. Subsequently it became a Labour Exchange, a storage centre for ordnance survey maps and a Post Office garage. Welfare State International bought it from Marl Electronics in 1987. Although the building needed repair and we had no capital, we achieved some development.

Between 1993 and 1995 we removed an air raid shelter, an asbestos workshop and the concrete top over The Beck - our hidden river. We constructed a giant tower - a large sketch - from telegraph poles and although this was incorporated into a musical sculpture for National Music Day, it showed us where not to create a permanent tower!

In six weeks 60 volunteers directed by Chris Coates and Peter Wilshaw erected a Cruck Barn of timber from the shores of Windermere. Using traditional techniques, except for a chainsaw and a crane, it contains 250 oak pegs. Now built into the barn theatre, its clear construction inspired us when it came to designing LANTERNHOUSE proper. In 1994 John Faulkner wrote an excellent feasibility study, and we held many artists' retreats to workshop ideas with help from Elsa Leviseur and her Arts as Environment MA Students from Manchester Metropolitan University. Then in 1995 we submitted the Lottery Bid - itself a sculptural artwork in an Aberdeen fish box. In 1996 (January) we were awarded a total of £1.6 million to cover the refurbishment of The Old National School, equipment, a portable ceremonial space/kit and a warehouse, still to be built.

The LiftBetween 1996 and 1997 we raised the matched funding of £750,000 (through the hard work of everyone, especially Eileen Strand and Sophia Culbard). In January 1996 Bob Hodge of H. T. Associates was appointed Project Manager. Then twenty-five architects were approached nationally , fifteen responded, eight were invited to first interview and four selected to produce detailed submissions. In October 1996 Francis B. Roberts was appointed and after three tenders, Leck Construction Ltd. started on site in December 1997, whilst WSI moved out to temporary headquarters in Ulverston Point.

In 1998 the Topping Out Ceremony (May), the appointment of Alec Bell, our Centre Manager (June), the placing of the Spire (October) and the cutting of a cake to mark "practical completion" (December) all occurred. By January 1999 we had moved back in to the refurbished National School (now renamed LANTERNHOUSE), and in March held our 30th Anniversary party.

June 2nd was the official opening by Chair of the Arts Council of England, Gerry Robinson.

Process

The Roof TerraceThe process of creating LANTERNHOUSE was unique. There was an unusual partnership between the client (WSI artists), the architect and the builder. At every stage WSI monitored the work through a dedicated Project Executive answerable to our Board, an Artists' Forum and Works Committee, all under the stewardship of Gilly Adams - Chair, Sue Gill - Education Director and Celebrant, Hilary Hughes - artist, Chris Coates - Works Convener and John Fox - Project Champion. Very simply, we have virtually doubled our available space by adding a new floor. (We raised the roof five feet, and lowered the ceilings in other rooms). An accommodation block for four artists-in-residence has been built on the site of our old car park. A large percentage of the fitting out was by WSI artists. Individuals are listed in the programme, but Duncan Copley and Hannah Fox were outstanding. Most of the storage will be in the new warehouse. A rich visual documentation as an artists' book was made by Tanya Peixoto.

We believe our team process of building has established another Welfare State prototype. The building is a creative toolbox designed for and by artists, including our architect. The financial control by H. T. Associates and Julie Underwood has been most thorough and the support of our many funders absolutely invaluable.

We hope LANTERNHOUSE is an inspiration and a hands-on model. A work of art in which the art of work is paramount.