At the corner of Tib street and Cross street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, this marvellous musically inspired creation once stood. I say once, as it has now been removed, sadly.
Created by David Kemp and is also known as the Big Horn or Tib Street Tuba. This bizarre edifice stood tall, in the remaining corner of what was once a hat factory. This looks like tuba or flute or clarinet, or maybe a combination of all three. It took over what looks like the stairwell, judging by the step like structures in the windows. With a bat like appearance to some of the lines, and showing bat wings and actual bats in places.
Why build such a sculpture? It’s art, so why not?
Paintings usually have no sound but sometimes there should be, although imagination can often supply the sounds where none are present. Do you hear jazz? Or Gershwin clarinet solo perhaps? Maybe the colours grab your attention more? The busy lines wriggling on the walls. Do you see the wings or does the street light grab your attention? What about the blue car?
Perspectives are distorted. The scene feels flat, and yet those buildings are behind the sculpture, aren’t they? This red brickwork is typical of a Northern city in the UK. Bat inspired music stands, not so much. Even in destruction, creativity can thrive. What was destined to be demolished, had a final life as a work of art. Not bad for a little old hat factory on a back street in Manchester.
It’s a shame it’s gone, but we can still appreciate this bizarre and comical structure. Especially near Halloween, for it’s a spooky character, with all those bats. I’d have been freaked out if they had actually made a noise though.
