An innovative new art installation, the creation of artist and lighting designer Jo Fairfax will be exhibited at Cromford Mills from July 25.

The installation – Mr Arkwright – is a water and cycle-powered drawing machine which takes inspiration from Sir Richard Arkwright’s early career. 

The installation makes comparisons to Arkwright’s water-frame. Where the water frame made cotton, this machine makes drawings. 

Visitors will be able to operate the drawing machine by cycling a tandem, triggering a hydraulic mechanism to create an image. Each participant will be able to take home their drawing as a souvenir. 

Jo Fairfax said, “I find Richard Arkwright’s achievements really inspiring. His mind combined engineering, architecture, mechanics, nature, housing, entrepreneurship, business and invention.”