Music for vertical spaces 

A new site-specific sound installation by Helen Ottaway

Our new installation is Inspired by the Nelson Staircase in Somerset House, London, and other beautiful and unusual staircases around the world.

Secret Staircase explores highs, lows, and movement up and down. Music and sound float in secret and hidden locations. Conceived and devised by Helen Ottaway, it features local musician Nick Sorensen and visuals by David Daniels.

Secret Staircase is an ‘echo’ of LISTEN, A Season of Sound Art, hosted by Black Swan Arts in 2019. The work was premiered as part of Frome Festival 2021 and has appeared as part of Fringe Arts Bath and at Shatwell Farm, Somerset.

image by David Daniels

Secret Staircase promo video

View our promo video here

Secret Staircase in the silo

In October 2021 Secret Staircase was installed in an empty grain silo at Shatwell Farm in Somerset. For the first time the 3 layers of sound were joined by 3 layers of animation by David Daniels.

Secret Staircase at Fringe Arts Bath

In the summer of 2021, Secret Staircase was in Bath, part of an exhibition called ‘This is not a shop‘. ‘This is not a shop’ was at 5 Broad Street Bath and was a Fringe Arts Bath project. The exhibition ran from 24th July to 27th August 2021.

Secret Staircase at Frome Festival

We welcomed over 200 visitors to Secret Staircase during Frome Festival 2021.

Thanks to the festival and to all our wonderful partners and hosts: Black Swan ArtsSilk MillRISEFrome Town Council and St. John’s Church.