Gasometer, Llwynypia, S. Wales
Project commissioned by British Gas and Cywaith Cymru – Artworks Wales. Cooper’s design had been developed after a visit to the site had revealed the gas holder standing against a wooded hillside. This autumn scene provided the colour palette for the design as photographs of the site were pixilated and collaged to create the system of squares that make up the design. Embedded in this approach is the solution to its application, as breaking the design down to a series of squares of solid colour allowed a foolproof method for contractors to apply the design. This approach also ensured a consistency of image as the tank periscoped depending on the amount of gas inside the holder. The result was a fiery explosion of unexpected colour that stood like a beacon on the road to Treorchy. In this simple way, a monolithic remnant of an old outdated industry was re-invented and became a symbol of change in the valley. The public exhibition and consultation carried out had prepared the ground locally and there was little opposition to the project, only the news media sought to criticise the project, but it must be said that the vox pops were in favour. Sadly the gas holder has since been demolished.
