The soundscape offers a deeply personal tribute to those 3,044 local heroes whose names appear on the war memorial and whose centenary is commemorated this year.
Created by artists Chris Nunn and Robert Parkinson, the audio installation features spoken word contributions from over 70 people from across Stockport – each one lending their voice to read a name in remembrance.
The soundscape – which is the bringing together a collection of sounds - will be available to experience every Friday in November at 2pm and every Sunday in November at 1pm alongside the free to attend Beautiful Things exhibition which is currently taking place at the Gallery. The soundscape acts as an immersive experience for the visitor to contemplate and remember. This naturally allows the viewer to drift in and out of the space with no expectation of listening to the whole sound work.
Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member of Communities, Culture and Public Protection at Stockport Council, said: “Three Thousand and Forty Four is a powerful reminder of the lives behind the names we honour each Armistice Day. It’s incredibly moving to hear so many voices from across our community come together in remembrance. This soundscape brings a new depth to our collective memory and ensures that every name continues to be heard.”
Chris Nunn, creator of the soundscape, said: “With Three Thousand and Forty Four, we wanted to create an immersive experience that brings the community’s voices into the heart of remembrance. Hearing each name spoken aloud transforms the memorial space - it becomes a living archive of memory.”
Amanda Peers, Chair of Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) added: "This soundscape stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of all who have served. Hearing the names spoken aloud by members of the community brings home the collective debt we owe — and ensures that these individuals are never forgotten.”
Picture caption: Representatives from Stockport Armed Forces Organisation (SAFCO) are joined by Cllr Dan Oliver and others to listen to the soundscape at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery on Armistice Day.