Stack

Full Company

Exeter Central Library (May 2003)

In April 2003, we were granted entrance to the subterranean world of the Exeter Central Library stack. The public result of this exploration was a commissioned piece of textual archaeology for tEXt 2003, the theme of which was 'excavation of the word'.

Stack comprised a mis-guided tour for small groups of people (involving the excavation of books to the main library floor), a video of journeys through the stack and a sound installation.

"The mock excavation in the stacks of the main city library was a magical experience. The books whispered continuously in the background. The 'keyhole excavations' led us to remarkable titles at various levels." - Hazel Harvey, Exeter Flying Post