Colourfields - Panopticon
Contact Information
Corporation ParkBlackburn
Lancs
BB1 8AT
Tel: 01282 421 986
Fax: 01282 429 513
Design by Jo Rippon Architecture with artist Sophie Smallhorn.
Blackburn's Panopticon, Colourfields, is a dramatic transformation of the former cannon battery in Blackburn's Corporation Park, originally installed for the Park's opening in 1857 to house two Russian cannons captured during the Crimean War.
The battery had since fallen into disrepair, and the design and construction of Colourfields enabled part of this important structure and its associations with Blackburn's history to be preserved rather than dismantled, as would otherwise have been necessary owing to deterioration.
Whilst Colourfields uses the base of the former battery, it adds a new dimension of space, height and - of course - colour with its raised viewing points and candy stripes created from pastel-coloured tiles.
From the top of the structure, the panorama of the Park below, the town beyond and distant views out towards Lytham, Southport and Fleetwood, is simply breathtaking.
Road Directions
Colourfields: Landranger 103 Blackburn, Burnley and surrounding area, 1:50 000 scale. Grid ref 677288
Leave the M65 at junction 6, taking the right exit at the roundabout on to Whitebirk Drive (A6119). Continue for about 1 mile to Brownhill Roundabout and take the second left exit on to Ramsgreave Drive (still A6119). After approx 400 metres take the first left on to Pleckgate Road. Follow the road for about a mile until it merges into Revidge Road. Corporation Park is immediately on your left and 'Colourfields' is inside the Park in the corner opposite the tennis courts.
Public Transport Directions
There are reglaur buses (no 59) from Blackburn or Preston to the main gates of Corporation Park or alternatively a local service (Nos 9/9a, 15, 35 & 25) will drop off at the top of Shear Brow. For details about public transport please contact Blackburn Visitor Centre 01254 688040.
For information out of normal office hours contact Travelines 0871 2002233 or National Rail 08457 484950
