A series of ten white flags installed on Plymouth Hoe.  Each flag carries simple black meteorological symbols, called windbarbs, which are used to indicate wind speeds. The flags appear similar, but are constructed of different fabrics, of different weight so that they fully fly at the wind speeds equal to or greater than that indicated on the flag.

This artwork is a celebration of the wind, acting as a cross between an art installation and meteorological device communicating wind speed and direction. Wind Barbs follows on from a number of works by Tim Knowles, which utilise, explore and reveal the wind, its behaviour and effect.

Commissioned by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Arts Centre.

Flags of mixed material construction & powder coated aluminium signs

2009