Rotting Figure
Synopsis
The Blackboy Clock, which incorporates a wooden blackamoor figure in its design, was originally assembled by a Gloucestershire watchmaker in 1774, during the height of the transatlantic slave trade. Relocated to a specially constructed niche on the front of a former schoolhouse in 1844, the clock has undergone restorations in 1977 and 2004 and has remained a constant presence throughout Dan Guthrie’s life in Stroud. Rotting Figure is one of two newly commissioned videos that put forward the ‘radical un-conservation’ of the clock—a new theoretical concept proposed by Guthrie to describe the acquisition of an object with the express intent to destroy it. Central to this new body of work are questions about what society chooses to memorialise and how we do so.
Release History & Theatrical Window
Spike Island, Bristol, UK
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Dan Guthrie
- Original Title
- Rotting Figure
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 5m
- Production Studios
- Spike Island, Chisenhale Gallery
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Dan Guthrie
Olivia Aherne, Carmen Juliá
Department Leadership Roster
Dan Guthrie
Director
Olivia Aherne
Producer
Carmen Juliá
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Rotting Figure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rotting Figure
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Rotting Figure about?
The Blackboy Clock, which incorporates a wooden blackamoor figure in its design, was originally assembled by a Gloucestershire watchmaker in 1774, during the height of the transatlantic slave trade. Relocated to a specially constructed niche on the front of a former schoolhouse in 1844, the clock has undergone restorations in 1977 and 2004 and has remained a constant presence throughout Dan Guthrie’s life in Stroud. Rotting Figure is one of two newly commissioned videos that put forward the ‘radical un-conservation’ of the clock—a new theoretical concept proposed by Guthrie to describe the acquisition of an object with the express intent to destroy it. Central to this new body of work are questions about what society chooses to memorialise and how we do so.
Who directed Rotting Figure?
Rotting Figure was directed by Dan Guthrie.
Who stars in Rotting Figure?
The principal cast of Rotting Figure includes Not specified.
When was Rotting Figure released and how long is it?
Rotting Figure was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 5m.