The Centre for Alternative Technology’s ‘Throne’ structure has been unveiled in Trafalgar Square.
The Gorsedd (Welsh for throne) was erected by hand in London as part of the National Gallery’s bicentenary celebrations, Triumph of Art, culminating on 26 July.
The structure was commissioned for the event in which CAT worked with artist Jeremy Deller and the Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno.
The finished structure (left) in progress (right). Photo: Centre for Alternative Technology (Centre for Alternative Technology)
Designed and built by CAT’s sustainable architecture students, the Gorsedd was inspired by CAT’s ethos of hands-on, community-led sustainability, creating a symbol of collective action, cultural heritage and ecological urgency.
Gorsedd was erected over two days in the centre of London, echoing now-rare traditional barn-raising and mast-stepping techniques.
Hannah Maxey, who designed Gorsedd with fellow student Anna Drost, said: “This has been an exciting, challenging and inspiring project to be a part of.
Woven Willow Panels adorn the timber structure. Photo: Centre for Alternative Technology (Centre for Alternative Technology)
“The skills I have picked up working as part of a team to take the project from brief to build are innumerable – from liaising with Jeremy Deller and Mostyn Gallery, researching and specifying materials, to improving my confidence in the workshop.
“The opportunity to get hands-on in such a supportive environment is exactly what I wanted from my Master’s at CAT.
“On top of this, it is especially exciting that we can showcase the beauty of natural materials in the centre of London.”
Throughout the build, students have had help from members of the CAT community and members of the local public with weaving willow using simple techniques to form the woven frames that are part of the roof of the structure. Photo: Centre for Alternative Technology (Centre for Alternative Technology)
Gorsedd was created using Welsh timber, Somerset willow, Plywood supplied by ReCollective (a Materials Agency founded by graduates of CAT) and slate from CAT’s own Llwyngwern Quarry – the project was dubbed ‘From the Earth to the City’ – bringing the palette of the earth to the capital.
The structure, created by a team of students, draws inspiration from Celtic stone circles, Druidic rituals, and the National Gallery’s wartime history of storing paintings securely in Manod Quarry.
CAT in Machynlleth aims to feature Gorsedd in a home event next year.