Graham
2006
Mixed Media
Based on the St Albans Poisoner, Graham Young who killed two people in 1971 by lacing the tea and coffee of his work colleagues with the poison Thallium.
The work Graham has three elements – one large c type print (Untitled) and two small bound volumes (A and B) held together in a slipcover.
Cast as Detective, the viewer is provided clues to this real-life crime – Untitled acts as the crime scene, volumes A and B are exhibits. Exhibit A contains 48 images and 48 lists of names representing 48 consecutive days. Exhibit B is inspired by the murder’s own diary. It provides factual information. B takes the form of a collection of found material documenting the actual crime and found information that expands elements what took place. Original works are also included and provide a link back to A.
The three elements must interact and be actively cross-referenced in order to solve the crime.
The title of the works provide another clue. All are tool that speak to each other and enable the viewer to playfully work out what has happened.
Photos: Lucy Smith
Sample pages from A:
Sample pages B: