Page 129 of The Examiner

Mae

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Hannah, 6 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

Hannah, I am apoplectic and have only you to sound off to. Mae won’t let us document the event! I appreciate they have sensitive commercial concerns, but it’s hardly in the spirit of the collaboration.

Hannah O’Donnell

No photographs or film?

Gela Nathaniel

Mae says ‘no possibility’, but I might be able to sneak some shots between set-up and the moment we have to clear off to the *kitchen* (yes, with the staff). Unless we need to stand by to ward off a collapse! That’s how much faith she has – in case ‘items fall off it’!

Hannah O’Donnell

Oh dear! Can they set it up in the studio and take pictures there?

Gela Nathaniel

Surely she can’t object to a few basic visuals, if there’s nothing sensitive in the shot? They took us to the place, Hannah. It’s a plain old 1960s function room on the outskirts of an HQ, not Menwith Hill!

Hannah O’Donnell

No problem. Look, the examiner will understand, I’m sure.

Gela Nathaniel

Mae even said they’d incinerate it for us afterwards. Thanks very much. Why not cut out the middleman and take it straight there!

Hannah O’Donnell

Can the material be set up here at the college afterwards? I’m thinking that we have spaces it might work in. You can photograph it and film people from the college ‘experiencing’ it.

Gela Nathaniel

You’re right Hannah. That’s a great idea. I’m simmering down now. Right, time to think positively and productively, like I’m always telling my students.

To: Mae Blackwell

From: Gela Nathaniel

Date: 6 May 2024

Subject: Re: Royal Hastings MA installation

Dear Mae,

That’s rather disappointing as I felt this collaboration would enable the MA group to see their work in a real-world situation, being enjoyed by corporate guests and appreciated by their client. However, of course we will adhere to your in-house guidelines and would never think of doing otherwise.

Regarding the fate of the installation post-event. Please do not incinerate the students’ hard work! We will take the materials back to Royal Hastings, with a view to assembling the piece again for our department and the wider college world to enjoy. This will work as some additional promotion for RD8 and its exciting new technology.

Many thanks again for supporting the college and its grateful students.

Gela Nathaniel

To: MMAM(FTP)