Phantom Walls

Phantom Walls is the title of Oliver Lodge’s book of 1929. Lodge was the University’s first Principal and his book explored the possibility of an afterlife – an alternative reality beyond death. Rowan takes this as his starting point. His portraits employ photography, video and sculpture to create phantom versions of the originals. In some of his works he brings to life the personal iconography and relationships of the subjects. In others their legacy and social impact is explored. Some of his pieces elevate inanimate objects to a lofty status or tell the stories of other people involved in the life and work of the sitter. All provide a fascinating alternative perspective of these key figures from the University’s history.

Clare Mullett: Research and Cultural Collections University of Birmingham.