News Story
It was an honour to welcome artist Richard Wheater and invited guests to open BEAUTIFUL HAZARDS at Theatre Royal Wakefield on Wednesday 26 March, during Wakefield Artwalk. Thank you to Wakefield Council and Historic England for supporting this public artwork.
Richard Wheater is based in Wakefield and was born and raised here but went on to train in New York and work around the world before returning to his home city, where he established Neon Workshops in 2010.
Theatre Royal Wakefield’s Executive Director Katie Town opened the event by reflecting on the beginning of the Centre for Creativity extension in 2015, when the artwork was first conceived. Since then, despite setbacks, Wheater has developed the design and it was finally installed in the Theatre this year:
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Covid happening set the project back, but it gave me the breathing space to go back to the design and really get it right.Richard Wheater, artist
After Katie’s introduction, the artwork was officially switched on and Wheater spoke about the inspiration and journey behind the work. He described the surreal feeling of finally seeing the piece complete.
Wheater explained his interest in semiotics, symbols and how shapes can influence people within spaces, and how triangular hazard road signs can literally raise peoples’ heartrates. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the colour red and neon lights and the theatre, with actors traditionally having their ‘names in lights’:
Red is synonymous with theatres, so it was always going to be red.Richard Wheater, artist
The striking artwork faces out onto Westgate, where it will be seen by thousands as they walk or drive past the Theatre.
I wanted to give neon a platform in a sophisticated way.Richard Wheater, artist
The bold, red light serves as a positive reminder of what can be achieved in Wakefield.
