Michael Mulvihill, haunted by Cold War anxieties since childhood, transforms his fears into art and academic inquiry. As a boy in the 1980s, the threat of nuclear attack was a constant presence, shaping his understanding of the world. This early exposure fuels his exploration of potential global catastrophes.
Decades later, Mulvihill’s childhood anxieties have informed his PhD in Fine Art and Geography, culminating in his film, A British Guide to the End of the World. His academic research and artistic practice led to a unique residency at RAF Fylingdales, the UK’s early warning system, where the dreaded four-minute warning would originate. This experience became the foundation for a major museum exhibition.
“The Cold War felt incredibly real during my upbringing,” Mulvihill reflects. “Now, many have forgotten the pervasive fear of imminent nuclear war.” This sense of urgency underscores the importance of understanding potential doomsday scenarios.
Mulvihill’s exhibition at Whitby Museum, The Unblinking Eye: 55 Years of Space Operations on Fylingdales Moor, offers unprecedented access to artifacts from RAF Fylingdales, juxtaposed with his original artworks. It also presents new research contextualizing the station’s history within local, national, and international frameworks, underscoring the North York Moors’ vital role in global space monitoring and the cultural significance of the iconic ‘golf balls’.
Rachel Woodward, Professor of Human Geography at Newcastle University, who supervised Mulvihill’s PhD, emphasizes the value of unconventional approaches to understanding complex issues. “Michael’s work demonstrates how seemingly unorthodox approaches to studying military and security issues can provide profound insights into their history and contemporary impact.”
Mulvihill’s work isn’t just about dwelling on potential disasters; it’s about understanding our relationship with them and preparing for an uncertain future. The film A British Guide to the End of the World explores British preparedness for various apocalyptic scenarios. What are the key threats? How ready is the UK? And what can individuals do to increase their chances of survival?
The guide likely examines a range of potential threats, from nuclear war, a recurring theme in Mulvihill’s work, to natural disasters like catastrophic flooding or disease outbreaks. It might explore the UK’s existing infrastructure for disaster response, including emergency services, government contingency plans, and public awareness campaigns.
Moreover, it potentially delves into the psychological impact of living under the shadow of potential catastrophe, exploring coping mechanisms and the importance of community resilience. What mental strategies can help people navigate fear and uncertainty? How can communities prepare together to support each other in a crisis?
The program is likely a meditation on both the very real threats facing the world, and how people can best understand the risks and hopefully survive if the worst should happen.
A British Guide to the End of the World was broadcast at 9pm on Monday 4 November on BBC4. The Unblinking Eye: 55 Years of Space Operations on Fylingdales Moor was on show at Whitby Museum until 17 November. A screening of A British Guide to the End of the World and a conversation with Michael Mulvihill, director Dan Vernon and award-winning documentary filmmaker Alison Millar, took place at Newcastle University. This demonstrates the ongoing interest in and relevance of Mulvihill’s work.
