Semaphores

Semaphores is a series of three sculptures by British-Argentinian artist Amalia Pica that builds on the artist’s interest in communication. Semaphore is a code that was used in early telegraphy to send text-based messages across long distances in visual form.

The sculptures are located in the King’s Cross N1 area near King’s Cross station. People walking up King’s Boulevard from the direction of the station would encounter the first sculpture at the top of King’s Boulevard in Canal Square. From there the other two can be seen: one on the roof of The Lighterman pub on Granary Square, and the other on the roof of R7 – the pink building behind Central Saint Martins. There are information panels at the sculptures showing the semaphore alphabet, so visitors can send and decode messages.

The rooftop sculptures are based on ‘Chappe Telegraphs’, an early and popular system of semaphore invented in France in 1792 by Claude Chappe. They use arm-like paddles to make signs that correspond to letters. On Canal Square, the ground level ‘Shutter Telegraph’ is inspired by the English system invented by Lord George Murray in 1795. Using panels flipped by ropes, the system was very effective and could send a message from London to Portsmouth in 7.5 minutes.

About the artist
Amalia Pica was born in 1978 and lives in London. She has exhibited widely internationally and her work explores forms of communication, metaphor and social engagement. Public collections include the Tate, London; the Guggenheim, New York; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; and the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam.

Commissioned by Argent/King’s Cross Limited Partnership