As part of the National Gallery’s Bicentenary celebrations, The Triumph of Art – a nationwide project by artist Jeremy Deller – brought together institutions from across the UK to celebrate the role of art, culture, and civic life in shaping our communities. The Centre for Alternative Technology was proud to be a collaborator and exhibiting partner in this extraordinary event.
In Trafalgar Square, CAT’s presence was marked by a powerful architectural installation and a series of hands-on workshops, all rooted in sustainability, creativity, and community. The event offered a unique opportunity to showcase CAT’s ethos and the work of its students on a national stage.
“CAT were delighted to collaborate with Jeremy Deller on the Triumph of Art commission for the bicentenary of the National Gallery over the last year culminating in the day-long spectacular in Trafalgar Square. It was inspiring to see the CAT students’ pavilion “Gorsedd”, bringing a palette of earth and Welsh slate from Llwyngwern Quarry to the city and to see the many hours of craft by the students and volunteers weaving willow come to fruition. We also enjoyed facilitating charcoal drawing and earth building workshops and having the opportunity to talk with members of the public about CAT’s vital work providing skills for the future.” - Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of CAT
CAT Supporters Gathering
The day began with a morning gathering for some of CAT’s most longstanding supporters, offering a chance to connect, share updates on CAT’s work, and celebrate the occasion together. After a summary of the ‘Gorsedd’ build by students Jordan Hau and Brandon Roberts, guests were then escorted to the CAT exhibit in Trafalgar Square to explore the student build and workshops firsthand.
This special event was a moment to thank CAT’s supporters and showcase the impact of their contributions in enabling transformative educational experiences and public engagement.
“It was wonderful to see the variety of activities and people of all ages just having fun but learning at the same time from CAT’s activities. It was a highly entertaining, enriching and lively encounter with each and all CAT staff on the ground too. So encouraging to see so many young enthusiastic people too.” – CAT supporter
Procession
CAT students joined other collaborators in the Triumph of Art event for the Bacchanalian procession through Whitehall to Trafalgar Square, carrying the banner created for CAT by banner maker Ed Hall.
Sharing Skills and Inspiring Futures
Alongside the Gorsedd installation, CAT’s students and teaching staff hosted a workshop showcasing Rammed Earth as a sustainable building material and CAT’s education team facilitated a creative drawing space to imagine a sustainable future.
CAT’s education work is so impactful because we believe in the importance of seeing, developing and using practical solutions first hand. Inspiring people through hands-on work with materials or through imagining what a green future might look like is a key part of CAT’s group visits, volunteering and training.
Alongside our workshops, we were able to talk to attendees about CAT and our work sharing solutions to the climate crisis. It was a pleasure to talk with so many interested and enthusiastic people, many of whom were already aware of CAT or had visited in the past.
Rammed Earth Plinths
Inspired by the plinths of Trafalgar Square, visitors were invited to create miniature versions using rammed earth—a traditional and sustainable building technique used extensively at CAT. The activity was supported by Rescued Clay who are based in Park Royal in London, and supplied the clay used on the day.
“It was wonderful to be invited to be part of the day and supply CAT with clay for the rammed earth workshops. The clay was reclaimed from local construction sites, demonstrating how waste materials can be reimagined and reused “
Prashant Patel— Rescued Clay
Charcoal Visioning Workshop
Participants also took part in a visioning workshop, using charcoal made from willow offcuts from the Gorsedd build. The activity encouraged people of all ages to draw their visions of a positive future—one where humanity has risen to the challenges of the climate and biodiversity crises.
Simple drawing prompts and visual guides to the charcoal-making process helped make the activity accessible to all.
Gorsedd
At the heart of CAT’s contribution was Gorsedd—a striking architectural installation designed and built by students from CAT’s ARB-accredited Part II Master’s in Sustainable Architecture. Developed during their Build module, in collaboration with Jeremy Deller, Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno, and the National Gallery.
“This has been an exciting, challenging and inspiring project to be a part of. The opportunity to get hands-on in such a supportive environment is exactly what I wanted from my Master’s at CAT.”
— Hannah Maxey, CAT student
Gorsedd (meaning “throne” in Welsh) draws on Celtic mythology, Druidic rituals, and the National Gallery’s wartime history. Constructed using Welsh timber, Somerset willow, slate from CAT’s Llwyngwern Quarry, and reclaimed plywood from ReCollective, the structure is a celebration of natural materials and collective effort. Students were supported by tutors, CAT graduates, and collaborators, including Momentum Engineering.
“We have been providing engineering support to the design of structures created during Build week for over 20 years and the Triumph of Art is one of the largest projects undertaken.”
— Richard Heath, Momentum Engineering
The build itself was a performative act, echoing traditional barn-raising techniques. The frame was raised entirely by hand in a choreographed display of teamwork and simplicity.
The Gorsedd structure and the workshops in Trafalgar Square were more than a one-day event—they were a celebration of what’s possible when we build together. The students behind the project have since formed Studio CLAASH, a design and build collective that will carry this momentum forward.
Plans are already underway to bring Gorsedd back to CAT for an event, continuing to share a message of sustainable, community-driven change.
Visit CAT at Welsh events this summer
This summer, we will also be attending other festivals and events in Wales, sharing our work and connecting with attendees.
Come visit us 2 to 9 August at WCVA’s Voluntary Sector Hub at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham or if you attending Green Man Festival 15 to 18 August come say hello to us in Einstein’s Garden
