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Ann Hamilton's Largest UK Installation 'We Will Sing' Opens at Salts Mill for Bradford 2025

exhibition · 2026-04-19

Ann Hamilton, an American visual artist, has unveiled her largest solo installation in the UK, titled 'We Will Sing', at Salts Mill in Bradford, which will be on display until 2 November 2025. This immersive artwork is a key feature of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture's events, alongside the Turner Prize. Marking her first significant UK project in over thirty years, it incorporates three auditory components: a solo performance by vocalist Emily Eagen of a 13th-century folk tune, an 18-minute choral piece with local choirs, and a reading booth for volunteers. The installation also showcases large figurines inspired by féve figures, a blue wool curtain, and community workshops. After the opening, Hamilton interacted with visitors, highlighting the sensory aspects of the experience.

Key facts

  • Ann Hamilton's largest UK solo installation runs until 2 November 2025
  • The work occupies Salts Mill's top floor in Bradford, part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Saltaire
  • Installation features three aural elements including Emily Eagen's medieval folk song performance
  • Giant féve-inspired figurines are printed on wool from mill company H. Dawson
  • Blue wool/mohair curtain from William Halstead references historical weaving techniques
  • Project includes 22 broadsheets printed by local newspaper The Telegraph & Argus
  • Hamilton's first major UK work in over 30 years, developed after Zoom conversation with curators
  • Part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme that will host Turner Prize

Entities

Artists

  • Ann Hamilton
  • Emily Eagen
  • Hannah Lamb
  • Jen Hallam
  • June Hill
  • David Lindsay
  • Eleanor Sutherland

Institutions

  • Salts Mill
  • Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
  • UNESCO
  • Museum of Modern Art New York
  • Venice Biennale
  • MacArthur Fellowship
  • The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts
  • The Guggenheim Museum
  • Bradford College
  • The Telegraph & Argus
  • H. Dawson
  • William Halstead
  • Aesthetica Magazine

Locations

  • Bradford
  • United Kingdom
  • Saltaire
  • New York
  • USA
  • Lake District
  • Venice
  • Italy

Sources