Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

Digital fingerprint artwork unveiled in the new Dunstable Library

Thursday, 18 July 2019

A unique digital art installation, which has been created with the help of four schools and Autism Bedfordshire, was unveiled in the new Dunstable Library last week (10 July).

Digital fingerprints

Local students leaving their digital fingerprints. Photo courtesy of June Essex.

The artwork named ‘Our Fingerprints’ has been a year-long project led by visual artist Sophie Gresswell, who decided to explore how generations are leaving their own mark on Dunstable, and how art can better connect people to places. Sophie worked with Autism Bedfordshire, customers from Dunstable Library and pupils from four schools in the local area, including The Chiltern School, Weatherfield Academy, Lancot Challenger Academy and All Saints Academy to develop a film to be projected on Dunstable library’s new arena in the children’s section.

Pupils helped to create artwork including collages, interactive handprints and projections to reflect how they see Dunstable, its people and their place within the town. Their own unique fingerprints were used as the main theme of the final film to represent individuals working together to form communities. As part of the artwork unique light boxes featuring children's handprints and thermochromic panels which react to body heat have also been developed.

Councillor Ian Dalgarno, our Executive Member for Community Services, said: "This is a really exciting project that has given local children the chance to create something unique and really special, which is now on display in our new Dunstable Library."

"I would like to encourage local residents to come and visit the library, which is a large, bright and airy open-plan space. The space is zoned for different activities including space to relax, read or study, a children’s zone and new facilities for teenagers. The library also offers access to computers and iPads, with free Wi-Fi along with regular artwork which will be on display."

The new Dunstable Library has now been open for just over a month and has already seen over 14,000 people come through the doors and over 500 new members join. The library also has held 58 events for children, with 1,162 children coming along to join in the fun.

To find out what is happening at your local library, visit the Virtual Library or follow the local libraries on Facebook.

During the unveiling, children from Lancot Challenger Academy and Weatherfield Academy who participated in the project also received an Arts Award Discover certificate in recognition of their hard work.