Derry's 'A Stitch In Time' artwork granted lifeline funding despite exceeding ten-year lifespan

Derry City and Strabane District Council has unanimously approved potential funding of up to £30,000 to repair the iconic 'A Stitch In Time' artwork.

The public artwork, located on the Rosemount Factory building, is the work of artist Tim Etchells and was commissioned and produced by Artichoke for Lumiere as part of the City of Culture programme in 2013 and had an anticipated lifespan of ten years.

However, during a report to members of December’s Business and Culture Committee meeting, Head of Culture, Aideen McCarter informed members that, while the artwork has been subject to lighting failures, a recent assessment of the frame indicated that it was in good overall condition with no obvious signs of corrosion or structural deterioration.

Ms McCarter noted that repairs were carried out in 2021 due to several operational issues and while the piece has passed its expected ten-year lifespan, there was a “strong desire to maintain the artwork”.

“In recent months the artwork has experienced several lighting failures,” she said. “Interim repairs have been carried out and functionality has been restored, but the investigation inspection at that stage highlighted ongoing deterioration.

“Consequently, Property Services engaged a specialist contractor to undertake an initial assessment and advise on its long-term viability.

“The contractor has confirmed that a significant overhaul is required, that would involve the replacement of all of the cabling bulbs and associated electrical components.

“The contractor further advised that the input of a specialist lighting engineer would be necessary to determine the detail spec of the works.”

She added that the contractor was confident that the proposed works would restore the artwork to operational condition.

“The frame’s in good overall condition, a few joints will require attention, but a full replacement is not required at this stage and the lettering itself is in good condition. So a cost-effective approach may be to temporarily remove the lettering, upgrade the lighting system and then refit the lettering.”

Members were asked to approve £5,000 to appoint a specialist lighting engineer, and to conduct an exercise to determine the exact cost of a full revamp, with approval for up to £30,000.

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Ms McCarter noted that the estimated costs exceeded the council’s entire public artwork budget of £20,000 and will require the allocation of a further budget, which has been highlighted with council’s Lead Finance Officer for consideration as part of the upcoming rates setting process.

Sinn Féin councillor Conor Heaney proposed that members accept the proposal and said the artwork “has become an icon” in Derry.

“It’s visible from many parts of the city and is much admired, I’m delighted that it’s still in relatively good condition, and hope that the lighting engineer will confirm that its longer-term survival can be addressed,” he added.

However, UUP alderman Derek Hussey questioned why council should carry out repair work beyond the artwork’s expected ten-year lifespan.

“That’s now expired, it’s beyond its sell-by date date,” he added. “ I have never seen this particular item. It has been not operational for a while and that may be a reason, when I’m down in the city, that I haven’t seen it.

“But I’m just concerned that something that was known to be of a ten-year lifespan would continue to cost funds, when there are other artworks installed to represent that particular side of the city’s past.”

SDLP councillor and Committee Chair, Rory Farrell, replied: “In the report it does state that the expected lifespan of the piece was ten years, but upon investigation elements of the installation are fine and no renewals are required. It’s just the electrical work needs upgraded.

“But I would invite you to visit Rosemount at night just to see the sign and its splendour; it is one of the last remaining legacies of the City of Culture, it signifies the importance of our shirt-making heritage. I think it should be retained.

“I don’t think because it had an intended lifespan of ten years that we throw it out when it reaches its 10th birthday, but that’s just my view.”

Members voted unanimously in favour of the proposal.