Richard Hurst

 

Underfoot

 

Litho block ink, upcycled paper

630mm x 930mm

 

Manhole covers lie unnoticed beneath our feet, passed over as we go about our daily lives. The term dates from the 19th century, describing human-sized access points for the maintenance of growing underground networks in our cities. During this project, I have become struck by their beauty; utilitarian objects adorned with geometric patterns and gritty war-like monikers: Chieftain; Dreadnought; Trojan; Warrior. I have brushed away grit and debris to reveal their hidden details and stamped symbols. Knelt on tarmac next to their steel rims in back streets, paths and alleyways. To record and preserve these urban artefacts, I use litho block ink, just like early printers would ink wooden or metal type. Applying a smooth layer across imperfect surfaces that have existedfor decades, smoothed and indented by the passing traffic.

 

I carefully (sometimes briskly on busier roads!) place upcycled paper over the inked surface and begin to take an impression. The process is slow and deliberate; every indent is made with the hope that it will print well. When the reveal comes, what have I discovered? What have I captured? I have selected a few of the prints, inked an old favourite pair of Converse and walked across, revealing the sole patterns, thus reinforcing the idea of lying unnoticed beneath our feet. The results are a series of prints created in two places. One I call home (Sheffield) and one I call work (Leeds).