Who’d have thought that the history of an aluminium object 36,000 kilometres out in space could include subterfuge, political propaganda, human might, Cold War paranoia and even Hollywood-style police work?  Throw in some little known TT history and Space Mountain will appeal to bikers, historians and telecoms enthusiasts alike.
 
This rich web of stories is immortalised in a new exhibition Space Mountain, created by artist Rachael Clegg, at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas, throughout the TT Festival.
 
Space Mountain explores the development of satellites in connection with the development of the TT through a series of quirky, slick and thought-provoking prints – and a life-size replica of Sputnik.
 
“The stories behind the development of satellites are fascinating,” says Rachel, “and the parallels between TT and satellite history are striking. The first satellite was Sputnik, launched in 1957, which was also the year in which Bob McIntyre broke the 100 mile-an-hour lap record. Both satellites and the TT were developing at a similar pace and - as the exhibition will reveal - with equal drama.”
 
Few of these stories have been interpreted visually before, and each image is accompanied by text explaining its historical significance, beginning with the first telegraph in 1837, and taking the visitor on tour of the development of telecommunications via Morse code, Nazi Germany, Soviet spies and a few TT triumphs
 
 “We take satellites and telecommunications for granted now, but this exhibition brings home how quickly technology has developed,” continues Rachael.  “It wasn’t that long ago that we were using Scouts on the TT course to relay messages to marshals, yet today  sponsors SES are launching zero-emission satellites into space which allow TT fans  to watch the races on television whenever we like, from wherever we like – this 21st century technology makes the Isle of Man TT a true global phenomenon.”
 
SES Satellite Leasing Ltd’s MD, Mark Guthrie is thrilled with Space Mountain:
 
“SES is really excited to have the opportunity to be behind an exhibition like this. As sponsors of TT Zero we wanted to commission something striking that also drew parallels between the development of satellites, telecommunications and the TT, and Rachael’s exhibition has exceeded our expectations.”
 
Rachael Clegg is perhaps more widely known – at least amongst TT fans – for the best selling 2013 Milestones calendar which was launched last year at the Sayle Gallery.  This interpreted moments from TT history in a series of black and white photographs taken by Al Jazeera photojournalist Peter Greste and modelled by Rachael herself.   There is now a 2014 calendar, which includes more slices of history and shots of Rachael with - amongst other things - a budgie, mackerel and heaps of tyres.  Images from the 2014 calendar will be exhibited alongside Space Mountain at the Sayle Gallery, where visitors will be able to buy prints and, of course, the calendar itself. 
 
In addition, the Villa Marina Circle Bar hosts Rachael’s own exhibition Milestones Revisited: Bootlegs and B Sides which includes images from the 2013 calendar, unseen shots and special takes.  This runs from 25 May to 31 July 2013.
 
Location: The Sayle Gallery, Villa Marina Arcade, 1-3 Harris Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2HN
Opening times: 10am – 5pm Tue – Sat, 1.30 – 4.30pm Sundays, 1pm – 5pm Mondays
Admission: FREE
Telephone: 01624 674557