Playing Around the Docks: a documentary with Tate Liverpool

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Playing Around the Docks
Still from Playing Around the Docks

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The decision to establish a 'Tate of the North' was made in the early 1980s following a turbulent period in Liverpool's history. James Stirling, Michael Wilford and Associates were appointed to transform the former warehouse on the Albert Dock in a gallery, a project completed in 1988.

Although the outcome of their design was successful and their solution is still working today, the question was raised: is an architectural process ever finished? Thirty years later seems an appropriate moment to reflect on the past, think of the current role of the gallery within the city and establish the goals for the future.

Drawing upon these premises, the University of Liverpool School of Architecture established a collaboration with Tate Liverpool, in order to rethink the role of academia within society. Dr Marco Iuliano with Jane Moscardini, Valentino Capelo and James Jones worked with the the students and visiting professor Michael Wilford to redesign the gallery in dialogue with Tate. The results were exhibited at Tate in a specific display visited by more than 5000 people.

Documentary directed by Annalisa Sonzogni.

Part of the Tate Exchange Programme.

Playing Around the Docks Brochure