The Listening Project

Whilst We Weren’t Listening

A project inspired by the concrete ‘Sound Mirrors’ (or the listening ears of Kent as they are better known), dotted along the Kent coast. Originally part of the national defence strategy, they quickly became redundant due to the advances in technology. During the pandemic of 2020 we again experienced a surge in our reliance on technology, but this comes with its own disadvantages for some and potentially moved us further away from the touch, the tactile and the skills of ‘making by hand’.

 Clay gathered from the cliff base coastline of Folkestone was processed into workable clay. The geological make-up of this clay encapsulates thousands of years of changing environments.

Residents of Folkestone were invited to make their own sculptures from this clay that reflected some of their personal experiences faced during the pandemic, Imagining it as something that might provide clues to future generations about this extraordinary time and global experience. 50 residents made pieces that were brought together as an exhibition at Urban Rooms, Folkestone. More info click here