The Observatory studio set up on a cliff-top at Burton Bradstock for a new art project

Rotating structures known as The Observatory have been set up on a west Dorset cliff-top in a new art project.

The Observatory, which will be set up on the coast path at Burton Bradstock until the end of September, will host creative students, graduates and staff from Arts University Bournemouth, particularly from the architecture courses.

They will be ‘responding creatively’ to the location and researching what makes Dorset so unique.

The project is a partnership between Arts University Bournemouth, the National Trust and other bodies including SPUD, a charity which specialises in the arts, architecture and educational projects.

The two striking wooden structures – an artists’ studio called The Study and a public shelter named The Workshop – stand on turntables and have rotating handles to change the view of the landscape throughout the day, looking out to sea or inland to the Dorset hills.

The artists will use The Study as a small site specific studio, while The Workshop will remain open to visitors when artists are away.

The Observatory, which is supported by Arts Council England and James Lathams Ltd, was created as a sculptural installation, workspace, shelter and a look-out for SPUD artists. It has been travelling around multiple locations over two years, including another National Trust site at Mottisfont in Hampshire.

The rotating structures, which are clad in charred wood created with the traditional Japanese preservation technique Shou Sugi Ban, were designed by a team of young architectural graduates at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in London who won a competition. The Observatory has been recognised with awards including a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) South Award in 2016. The structure also includes traditional rope weaving techniques by Devon-based artist Edward Crumpton.

For the latest updates about The Observatory at Burton Bradstock and its visiting artists see www.lookinlookout.org