Unearthed / In Conversation

Join artists in conversation with Megan Goulding (Ochre Imprints Archaeologist) at Craft for a conversation about the project and the history of the fragments from the Metro Tunnel archaeological dig. 

Date: Wednesday 12 October 2022
Time: 5:30 - 7 pm
Where: Online - Zoom Webinar
Price: Free 

*Please note. This event is a live Zoom Webinar and audience members' cameras and microphones will be switched off. Auto-generated closed captions are available. For further information on how to activate closed captions please read here 

Crushed, fired, melted down, and reimagined.

Nine artists have transformed archaeological fragments uncovered from the Metro Tunnel dig site behind the Young & Jackson pub, in a new exhibition at Craft Victoria this October. These fragments, some of many thousands discovered during the dig, were not significant enough to be retained for heritage purposes so they are, in essence, ‘discards’.

Presented by Craft Victoria in collaboration with the Metro Tunnel Creative Program, the artists have reimagined the discarded fragments including broken glass, shards of porcelain, wire, and shells, into contemporary objects. From ceramic amphorae to intimate pieces of jewellery, furniture, and lighting — reformed and repurposed — these new works interpret the built history of our city while simultaneously looking towards its future.

The Unearthed exhibition is at Craft Victoria, Watson Place (off Flinders Lane) from 1-31 October 2022.

About the Metro Tunnel Project’s archaeological dig

The largest archaeological digs in Victorian history took place in the heart of the CBD as part of the Metro Tunnel Project. More than a million artifacts, some dating back more than 180 years to the early days of European settlement in Melbourne, were found in archaeological investigations ahead of excavation works for the Metro Tunnel. Architectural remains found on site included wheel ruts, cesspits, bluestone footings, and timber structures of cottages, shops, hotels, and pubs. Significant items are now permanently stored by Heritage Victoria for future generations. Non-significant items are being shared with artists to transform into new craft objects. All items shared with artists are from the period of time post-European settlement. Find out more about the archaeological dig here.

Craft is committed to being a platform for makers to experiment and push the boundaries of material practice. The community of makers, designers, and artists we work with are at the forefront of everything we do. You can make a direct impact to extraordinary makers by donating to Craft here.