At the Drive-In: A Double Feature

Installation Artist: Randolph Bradley
2 March 2005 – 15 September 2005

The breakthrough installation, At the Drive-In: A Double Feature, features one of the artist’s first works of welded metal. According to
the artist, “I wanted to blur the distinction between us and them, interior and exterior space, and artificial and natural light. I envisioned a piece that opens doors to make art accessible. Although six months transpired during creation, in the end things really ramped up.” At the Drive-In: A Double Feature is the natural follow up to the influential signature piece Access: The Seven-Per-Cent Solution

Dateline 2MAR2005-Saw cutting the 12″ thick masonry wall. ?Neither rain nor sleet nor snow will keep the determined renovator from pursuing progress!

Dateline 9APR2005-The bar joists supporting the roof are themselves supported by jack posts.

Dateline 9APR2005-Randolph Bradley tests the burglar proofing. Two 12′ by 4′ frames with 3/4″ plywood securing the opening separate the seedy side of St. Louis from pay dirt. ?Fortunately, the burglar proofing held.

If I Can Do This, What About the Bad Guys?

Dateline 24MAY2005-Crew member Myron Swink peers over the burglar proofing plywood planks as Randolph Bradley prepares to hoist the steel I-beam and lintel plate into place, over the door opening.

Dateline 25MAY2005-Dale Wrather drops by from Med-Vac, Inc., to weld the 3″ angle iron on either side of the door opening to the steel lintel plate. ?Earlier, Dale welded the I-beam to the lintel at Med-Vac.

Dateline 31MAY2005-The Concrete laid over the door, grouted solid around rebar, and pinned to the wall on each side with rebar secured in epoxy. An expansion joint on either side of the door takes up the inevitable movement in the building over time.

Dateline 6JUL2005-The previous gutter was attached to a wood nailer secured to the top row of concrete block. Unfortunately, as the roof expanded and contracted, it cracked 95′ of concrete block. Rusty I-beams and lintel plates did not help either. ?All was rebuilt over time.

Dateline 12JUL2005-When it rains, it pours. Tarps divert the rain as best as possible.

Dateline 15SEP2005-The drive-in double doors sport industrial strength top and bottom bolts holding the secondary door securely in place. Weatherstripping around the door keeps the elements at bay.