PEAL Press

PEAL | Info Pack | Acknowledgements | Proposal | Research | Development

ABOUT PEAL
PEAL is a laser-triggered, computer-controlled, light-sequenced
emulation of a traditional church bell tower – or “campanile” –
conceived specifically for the Leeds Arena. It brings authentic,
high-quality recordings of the bells of the churches of Leeds right
into the Museum, to give the visitor the experience of being inside an
actual bell tower. The laser triggering system allows visitors to
“ring” the bells by cutting beams of light with their hands, as a
shifting multicoloured lighting system responds to their actions; a
cueing system allows visitors to actually play some authentic
“methods” or ringing patterns dating back almost 300
years. Additionally, the installation has an automated mode where it
reenacts historical peals or compositions, some lasting several hours;
and it even has a built-in clock which sounds the Westminster Chimes
on the hour.
The team from Monomatic has spent several days visiting,
photographing, videoing and recording – and, once or twice, ringing –
with the bell-ringing groups from St. Matthias, St. Peter at Leeds
Parish, St. Matthew’s, St. Chad’s and Leeds Cathedral, and the
installation will be complemented by a high-definition multi-screen
video display with footage from the church bell towers synchronised to
the work.

 

About PEAL

*Leeds Cathedral 076 200px

St Chads 6920 200pxSt Matthews Church 027 200px

PEAL is a laser-triggered, computer-controlled, light-sequenced emulation of a traditional church bell tower – or “campanile” – conceived specifically for the Leeds Arena. It brings authentic, high-quality recordings of the bells of the churches of Leeds right into the Museum, to give the visitor the experience of being inside an actual bell tower. The laser triggering system allows visitors to “ring” the bells by cutting beams of light with their hands, as a shifting multicoloured lighting system responds to their actions; a cueing system allows visitors to actually play some authentic “methods” or ringing patterns dating back almost 300 years. Additionally, the installation has an automated mode where it reenacts historical peals or compositions, some lasting several hours; and it even has a built-in clock which sounds the Westminster Chimes on the hour.

The team from Monomatic has spent several days visiting, photographing, videoing and recording – and, once or twice, ringing – with the bell-ringing groups from St. Matthias, St. Peter at Leeds Parish, St. Matthew’s, St. Chad’s and Leeds Cathedral, and the installation will be complemented by a high-definition multi-screen video display with footage from the church bell towers synchronised to the work.

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