The Test Bed was a performance created in response to a critical investigation into Dartington Hall, its history, pedagogical legacy and the landscape and people who live and have lived in and around the estate. The title was taken from a board annual report for the Dartington Trust in which it was stated “Dartington should be a test bed for a just and sustainable future” Indeed, the sigil used ritually in this piece is conceived from this premise. The work is a celebration of craftmanship, egalitarianism, the landscape of Dartington Hall and a call to remember its history as a catalyst for experimentation and exploration of radical ideas.

“It brought to mind fluxus performances from the 60’s and seemed to symbolize a revisiting of Dartington’s history although the involvement of radios in the space and the knowledge that this was being broadcast on Soundart radio brought the focus into the present. An experimental practice-based project which was professional, engaging and displayed a rigorous performative approach and inventive use of research material.”
– Dr Jo Joelson (London Fieldworks)