Discover what lies behind Lancaster factory wall

The Behind The Wall team, back row from left, Michael Brennand-Wood, George Harris, Adam Clarke, Katie Duxbury and Joe Randall, and front row from left, Caroline Bartlett, Mary Stansfield and Carolyn Primett.

Behind The Wall will uncover the fascinating history of the Standfast & Barracks complex in Caton Road.

Thousands of people pass this site on a main thoroughfare into the city every day yet few know anything about its past.

But a new charitable arts and heritage company – Mirador – plan to change all that.

Mirador, based in Lancaster, were inspired by the Standfast site built in 1865 as a carriage and wagon works, then used as an internment camp in World War One and which, for the past 90 years, has been one of the country’s leading fabric printers, producing beautiful pieces for the likes of Liberty and a host of designer names.

Over the next year, Mirador will work with some top national and local artists and historians to reveal what’s Behind The Wall.

Plans include work by internationally renowned textile artists Michael Brennand-Wood and Caroline Bartlett; a Minecraft game by the acclaimed digital game creator, Adam Clarke and a time machine installation inspired by Standfast’s landmark clock tower produced by Pennine Lancashire-based Bonkers Clutterbucks.

Lancaster artists will be represented by costume designer Katie Duxbury who will create wearable art reflecting Standfast’s industrial processes filmed by Jon Randall, and photographer Darren Andrews who will document the site’s history using handmade cameras.

All the work created will be displayed during a Behind The Wall exhibition at Lancaster City Museum next spring which will also outline the history of the site investigated by students from ULCAN in Preston.

The project will involve past and present Standfast staff, local schools and textile groups with workshops and talks open to the general public to discover more about this significant site.

One of Mirador’s creative producers, George Harris said: “Mirador was set up to offer an exciting new approach to revealing the heritage of the North West.

“We are delighted that our first project is now under way and are looking forward to sharing the story of one of Lancaster’s most interesting sites with people throughout the district and beyond.”

Behind The Wall is funded by Arts Council England(ACE), Standfast & Barracks, Lancashire County Council, the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, Tony Collinson of JWK Solicitors as executor of the will of Ann Speight, with support from the University of Central Lancashire.