Bidston Observatory was built in 1866. The domes used to house telescopes, which astronomers used to look at the stars, to be able to tell time. Find out what the links are between stars and early measurements of time, on this tour. We'll be going all the way from the domes to the sub basement.
The small team running what is now Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre will be assisting this 'by kids, for kids' tour. The duration of tour is approximately 40 minutes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is essential.
Please note: this is a guided tour. Accessing the whole building includes some uneven floors and many stairs. Unfortunately there is limited disabled access; however for people who use chairs, or have limited mobility, the ground floor is accessible. All bodies are welcome to join.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an artistic research centre?
In the arts, just like in the sciences, research is conducted in the process of making or experimenting. Practitioners take time, and focus attention on the way that they conduct their practice – however it fits into a discipline, or sits outside many. The process of doing research in the arts varies greatly, and there is no one methodology which applies to all. This artistic research centre is a space where people can come to explore different methods of working, have time for reflection, and get feedback from other practitioners.
What do you mean by self-organising?
The stewards are here to support the building and its resources. The building and its resources are here to support you and your work. While the project is all about trying to make things possible, stewards are already fully occupied with administration and practicalities and can not be expected to support the needs of your personal practice too.
Why is it only possible to stay for a minimum of two nights?
It’s not possible for people to stay for one night only, as this tends to take away from the community’s resources rather than add to it - not to mention the extra laundry costs!
Why is it only possible to stay for a maximum of one month?
In order for this resource to be shared by multiple different groups and individuals, stay is capped at one month. This keeps the space flowing and stops areas becoming territorialised unintentionally. As this is a study site, it is not possible to just live here, though we understand study takes many different forms and doesn’t always appear “productive”.
Why is there a sliding scale?
Many of the decisions we make here at BOARC focus on keeping this resource available for practitioners. The sliding scale helps us to offer a subsidised rate to people who would benefit.
Why is it important to read the values?
through the values carefully and make a decision for themselves about whether they feel aligned. It is not important to share all of these values exactly as they are written, but you should be aware that this is an actively anti-racist, anti-ableist, intersectional feminist site, and there are accountability guidelines in place here for users, stayers, stewards and organisers alike.[Link to values here]
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