Labour of Love, Engine Room Gallery 2009

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Transport House is an ideal representation of Belfast in the 1950s - forward looking, confident and with a solid industrial base. The trade union movement was at its high point and this Modern building with its Russian-style mosaic reflected that confidence in social progress. 

Since the 1960s both the building and the movement have suffered a decline in popularity. Transport House became one of the most misunderstood and even disliked buildings in Belfast. In parallel, the union movement has suffered a loss of members and perceived social standing.

 

Transport House is now due to be refurbished while the union also has a new face as Unite the Union. Both are now being reinvented in order to face the needs of the 21st Century.