Katie McGown

Quebec

(before)

(before)

(after and close, close, close)

(after, step back)

(after, all the way back)

Launched on the Clyde in 1865 and sailed on through to Canada, past Montreal and through to Ottawa and then scrapped in 1938.

It took me a little while to find some neglected ties, but eventually a couple peeked out from a thicket of rose bushes. I crouched down to snip the old ones off, and tie the new one on, my legs cramping, co-workers walking past. An obscure image in an awkward location. This is a week where I wanted a ship that knew the same waters that I knew. I left it down there low, next to the ashes.

Onward

(before)

(after)

(after - closer)

Launched on the Clyde on 11.03.1905 and scrapped in 1948.

I clipped down two tiny white ties and put up Onward with the morning traffic constant below the footbridge. It was still there on my way back from work on Monday. Today I walked by it again and just forgot to look.

Prototype: Cameo, Zebra

SS Cameo

(before)

(after)

(after - closer)

Launched on the Clyde on 05.03.1898 and scrapped in 1954.

I cut down three white ties, their undersides covered with a silky green algae. In their place went Cameo. The rain was spiteful and the wind vindictive and I assumed that these weather conditions would have meant deserted streets, but small groups filed past, looking quickly. I sighed and huffed in the drenching cold. Most of my pictures are blurry. I wondered how long it would take Cameo to develop an equally luxurious layer of flora. I thought about infusing it with fertilizer, but this must be unnecessary in Glasgow.

Installed on Sunday March 8th, 2009. Still there today, Tuesday March 10th.

HMS Zebra

(before)

(after)

Launched on the Clyde on 08.03.44 and scrapped in 1959. 

I cut the thick white tie, but left the tiny blue one. It seemed to delicate to move. Secured Zebra in the easing afternoon sun on a railing barricaded by roadworks, pavement pouring. 

Installed on Sunday March 8th, 2009. Still there today, Tuesday March 10th.