Sunday 30 July 2006

Martians in Woking!

Michael Condron - Martian Walking Engine (1998)
Very late news: the photo shows Michael Condron's stainless steel Martian Walking Engine (1998), which was commissioned by Woking Council to mark the centenary of HG Wells' famous science-fiction novel The War of the Worlds. This sculpture is the artist's impression of a "walking engine of glittering metal". He also designed a landing pod (click the title link to view it). If you haven't read the book, do so. Despite its age, it still ranks as one of the best sci-fi novels ever written; many half its age have dated very badly. Then listen to the magical Richard Burton voiceover for the Jeff Wayne musical to complete your experience. Forget the movies: Hollywood still hasn't got it right.

2 Comments:

At 31/7/06, Blogger weggis said...

Oh yes!
A few years ago the Brentwood annual firework display at the Brentwood Centre had the theme of "War of the Worlds" set to the Jeff Wayne Soundtrack. Wow!
It has never been the same since, Harry Potter theme, Air flight theme, even Pomp and Circumstance couldn't match up.
A night to remember!

 
At 31/7/06, Blogger Unknown said...

Sounds a great evening. The musical is on CD now, well worth buying. Or order it from your local library. If you spot the LP in a car boot sale, grab it. If it's in good nick, it will be worth a bob or two.

 

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