The Case of the Corncrake - commission for the RSPB Scotland, 2022
The Corncrake was once common across the UK countryside but is now endangered and only found in a very few locations. The Case of the Corncrake is a small 1950s suitcase re-purposed as an audio-visual installation. Listening through headphones, people are taken on a journey to one of the last remaining strongholds for this species - the Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. Along the way they learn the Gaelic names for this elusive but noisy bird and hear from people who remember the (now lost) sounds of the corncrake from their younger days. John Bowler, RSPB officer for Tiree, shares the story of the Corncrake, the reasons for its dramatic demise across most of the UK, and how he is now working with farmers to ensure its protection and survival into the future.
Jo worked with felt artist Vivienne Morpeth, who crafted a beautiful Tiree scene, with electronics engineer Ann Fomukong-Boden who programmed a Raspberry Pi and internal gadgetry to ensure a user-friendly interface, and with Nora Kasanicka who designed and built the supporting framework for the inside of the suitcase, and its plinth.
The Case toured Scotland’s museums, arts and science venues during 2022-23 as part of RSPB Scotland’s exhibition ‘Operation: Broken Feather’, highlighting the plight of the bird and the need for ongoing conservation efforts.
The Case of the Corncrake contains an 8 minute video story. Here is an excerpt of the first 5 minutes. The audio was originally crafted as a stand-alone piece and won the Wildlife Sound Recording Society’s 2021 Richard Margoschis documentary competition.
Picture Gallery
The case showing screen and internal felt artwork
Simple playback options on the touch screen of the installation
The case attached to its plinth ready for viewing
The case installed at Dundee Science Centre as part of Operation: Broken Feather.
