The Useless Machines take their form from ex-industrial plants situated in the Ruhr region of Germany and the Dunaskin Ironworks, Ayrshire, Scotland. They are constructed using items culled from my father's and grandfather's 'Gander Box' consisting of odds and ends accumulated during their working lives. These components are precariously balanced together to form the illusion of mechanical, yet ultimately purposeless objects.
The transformation of the Ruhr region is cited globally as an example of good practice in terms of regeneration projects taking place where there has been a major structural shift due to changes in industry. The Dunaskin Ironworks Heritage Centre is now closed due to the withdrawal of funding. The buildings are derelict and the site for sale with the most likely buyers being property developers.