Off-site Project
Birmingham and Fazeley Canal Towpath behind Bank Restaurant, Brindleyplace

Simon & Tom Bloor have worked together since 2003. Using a range of media they explore aspects of architecture, design and popular culture, especially in the light of obscure histories and flawed idealism. For this project the Bloors adopt geodesic design, a method of construction popularised in the 1950s by visionary thinker Buckminster Fuller, as a fast and efficient – if imperfect – way of creating any curved, enclosed space.

Their geodesic canopy for a working canal boat provides shelter for visitors who can travel along Birmingham’s historic waterways while browsing an onboard library of utopian design. In reference to another remarkable moment of design history, the artists have painted the exterior of the canopy with their interpretation of dazzle camouflage, a type of graphic patterning devised by war artists for naval ships as a means of confusing the enemy. Known as ‘Razzle Dazzle’ during the First World War its success was limited, as was that of Fuller’s geodesic domes.The boat, symbolising a means of escape, takes its title Hey for Lubberland! from a 17th century English ballad about the New World, mistaken for utopia, but in fact a kind of fool’s paradise.

The boat transports passengers around Brindleyplace, and is open Tuesday – Sunday, 1–5pm, admission free. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. On 12 August, Simon & Tom Bloor also take part in These are a few of my favourite things, Ikon’s free late night talks.

Simon & Tom Bloor’s Hey for Lubberland! is supported by British Waterways.