'Thousand Trades' permanent art work by Industry of The Ordinary for Greenlands Select Social Club
Chicago based artists Industry of The Ordinary were invited by WERK in March 2016 to develop a permanent artwork for Greenlands Select Social Club in Longbridge.
The artists worked with the committee and club members at the club develop a permanent art work titled ‘Thousand Trades’. This title comes from the central role Birmingham played in the Industrial Revolution and the plethora of trades that were once present in the city. Greenlands represents a living monument to the history of the region in this regard, as many tradespeople have passed through its doors over the decades.
The artist's researched nearly 3,000 club member’s names that have been engraved on two new doors that, replacing the old entrance and exit doors at the club.
This work pays tribute to the concept of social club members, the camaraderie, unions and unity of a wealth of skills, craftsmanship and tenacity that enabled the clubs independent existence. This is a story that is echoed across the UK, social clubs have been significant contributors to the fabric of society for decades, some are declining, but all are defiant.
As part of the artists research they undertook a series of recorded interviews with members of the club you can listen to the recordings here.
industryoftheordinary.com