The Union Chapel's first artist-in-residence has collaborated with rough sleepers on an installation, festooning the chapel tower with blankets.
'Movement in Sleep' was created by Sarah Strang who spent time talking to people using Union Chapel's homeless support services and finding out what sleep means to them. Service users donated their blankets and bedding (in exchange for new sleeping bags) and Strang stitched them together, draping them from the rafters of the tower where they hang in place of bell pulls, dangling over and part obscuring a wrought iron bed at its foot.
Visitors can get a bird's eye view of the installation via cameras and a video screen and once each month a limited number can go on an artist led climbing tour to ascend the tower.
Union Chapel's Margins Project provides support services to up to 180 homeless people a week.
The exhibition opens this weekend, with a preview on Saturday between 10am-1pm and is in place until 18 February 2012, open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-4pm. (free entry from front of chapel). Find Union Chapel at Compton Terrace, N1 2XD (nearest tube Highbury and Islington).
