The Atmospheric Railway was a failed attempt by Brunel to create a railway system that used air pressure to push carriages along rails without locomotive. Tested in Devon in 1845, the trains were literally sucked along by vacuum, created in a long pipe which lay in between the tracks. But the project failed for a number of different reasons including the fact that rats ate the leather seal on the air tight pipe. Trains broke down and horses often had to be brought in to pull the carriages. After a year of frustration, the system was abandoned. Brunel admitted his failure and took responsibility. He also took no fee for his work. Tunnel art Now UK artist Luke Jerram and composer Dan Jones are bringing Tunnel Vision, a fusion of architecture, candlelight and surround sound to recreate Brunel's atmospheric vision. Using a vast array of speakers mounted in a disused railway tunnel in the Staple Hill area of Bristol, the artwork will evoke the night time imagery that haunted Brunel.
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At over ½ km long Tunnel Vision is one of the largest installation artworks to be created and will attempt to recreate the Atmospheric Railway in surround sound. Trains will appear to move along the length of the disused railway track passing through any visitors present and more than 500 candles will help light the way. Through multi layered use of abstract sound Tunnel Vision will evoke the night time imagery that haunted Brunel caused by worry and stress of failing projects. But this work is not just about Brunel it's about all visionaries and the battles they fight with their demons each night. Staged in the Staple Hill tunnel, along the Bath to Bristol cycle path, from 6th-12th March between 6pm-8pm, you can find the installation by taking a footpath from the Railway Terrace in Fishponds. Entry is free but be sure to dress warmly and bring a torch.
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