Taking the installation down
Taking the installation down Chris Bodle September 25, 2025 The last time opening the big coach gates at the far end of Salthouse Fields as the sail was finally taken down and its different components taken away and scattered to the four winds. This was a day of mixed emotions. It had become part of […]
Exhibition at Weston Museum
Exhibition at Weston Museum Chris Bodle September 20, 2025 4:17 pm I was contacted by Weston Museum and invited to put on a small exhibition about Flotilla. The exhibition comprised three 2m x 1m roller banners that were on display from 11 September to 1 November. The Flotilla project exhibition banners were used in learning […]
After the storm
After the storm September 16, 2025 Chris Bodle The mainsail was ripped from the top of the mast during the 55 mph winds blowing in from the Bristol Channel I received texts and calls this morning from members of the public letting me know that one of the sails had come down in the storm […]
Marking water levels with coloured ribbons
Marking water levels with coloured ribbons September 8, 2025 Chris Bodle Perched on a high stepladder I tied coloured ribbons around the mast as various specific heights according recorded and predicted water levels. This turned the mast into a giant flood gauge, marking past, present and future sea levels in real space. Perched on high […]
Rigging the sails
Rigging the sails July 18, 2025 Chris Bodle A clear part cloudy day with light winds was the perfect conditions to attach the timber booms to the mast, install the rigging and raise the sails for the first time! An interesting and instructive day, working with Jay Redman-Stainer, a professional boat rigger. Working from the […]
Sail painting – Day 3
Sail painting – Day 3 July 12, 2025 Chris Bodle Finished painting the sails in the nick of time on the final day of the studio space rental. Rigging the sails is due in less than a week. Working on my own this time in a deserted studio. It was a Saturday with a lot […]
Installing the mast
Installing the mast July 9, 2025 Chris Bodle After a full-on day in the heat and no end of challenges, the mast was eventually raised up and installed in the ground so that it could eventually rotate in the wind. Today was make or break for the project. In particular, the issue with the bent […]
Sail painting – Day 2
Sail painting – Day 2 July 5, 2025 Chris Bodle On the second day of painting, Sam and I managed to complete one side of the sail. There were hurdles but more manageable this time. The studio had been blacked out including the ceiling skylights for performances. This meant working under artificial light which is […]
Fitting the steel brackets to the mast
Fitting the steel brackets to the mast June 23, 2025 Chris Bodle Tom Mansfield, who fabricated the steelwork for the sails structure, and I successfully installed the critical components that will hold the whole sail structure together. Another hot day working on the mast next to the old engine shed. Tom arrived in his van […]
The mast arrived
The mast arrived June 23, 2025 Chris Bodle The 15m long Scots Pine untreated pole arrived at Salthouse Fields today but there are issues! I arrived early morning at Salthouse Fields open the big coach gate at the end of the park to give access to the pole delivery lorry. The extra long light coloured […]