spectratxt is a text message reactive light sculpture in Middlesborough town centre. Sited at a crossroad, in a pedestrianised area of Middlesbrough’s shopping precinct, it was designed by Peter Freeman and was inspired by local connections to Captain Cook’s journeys to Tahiti.
Spectra-txt is a 10-metre column of light made of a 1000 points of fibre-optic light in a mirrored stainless steel structure. It creates shimmering colours and spectacular reflections.
Using text commands and a mobile telephone anyone can choose one of six colour animations. Commissioned by Tees Valley Arts on behalf of Middlesbrough Council and completed in 2004.
Artist
![](http://www.artcornwall.org/features/portrait_small.jpg)
Spectratext by Peter Freeman
Gallery
![Spectratext](https://i1.wp.com/teesvalleyarts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Spectratext_006_WEB.jpg?ssl=1)
![Spectratext](https://i2.wp.com/teesvalleyarts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Spectratext_005_WEB.jpg?ssl=1)
![Spectratext](https://i2.wp.com/teesvalleyarts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Spectratext_004_WEB.jpg?ssl=1)
![Spectratext](https://i1.wp.com/teesvalleyarts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Spectratext_003_WEB.jpg?ssl=1)
![Spectratext](https://i2.wp.com/teesvalleyarts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Spectratext_002_WEB.jpg?ssl=1)
![Spectratext](https://i1.wp.com/teesvalleyarts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Spectratext_001_WEB.jpg?ssl=1)
- Texting ‘Chromapop’ throws up animated rainbows of glittering light.
- Texting ‘Boro’ turns spectra-txt into the colours of the local football team.
News
2018 Enjoy Tees Valley, Things to Do
2004 BBC News
Funder
![Middlesbrough Council](https://teesvalleyarts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Middlesbrough-Council-300x85.jpg)
Let us know about Spectratext
If you have information about Spectratext – particularly if it’s not shown above – then we’d be really interested in finding out more. Tell us below: