PROJECTS: IF THESE WALLS COULD SPEAK

This body of work was commissioned for the Italian Institute of Culture in Paris, France in October 2008. The Institute is housed in a large complex, part of which once served as temporary accommodation for key historical figures, including Napoléon. It was originally constructed between 1776 and 1792 as Hotel of Galliffet by the architect Legrand. In 1909 it was purchased by the state of Italy where it first housed its embassy, then its general consulate and finally, in 1962, it became the Italian Cultural Institute and has since served to promote and bridge the gap on cultural and linguistic issues between Italy and France.

This work is set to go on exhibition at the Institute in Paris.

"If these old walls

If these old walls could speak

What a tale it had to tell

Hard headed people raising hell

A couple in love living week to week

Rooms full of laughter

If these old walls could speak

If these old halls

If hallowed halls could talk

These would have a tale to tell

The sun going down and dinner bell

And children playing at hide and seek

From floor to rafter

If these old halls could speak..."

Lyrics from the song, "If These Walls Could Speak".