>Ian Dawson

 In 1842 John Adolphus Etzler published The Paradise within the Reach of all Men, without Labor, by Powers of Nature and Machinery: An Address to all intelligent men. This was a far-reaching account of how to successfully and efficiently harness all the earth’s natural resources. Solar energy would be caught by huge magnifying lens’.  Giant offshore islands would capture the might of tidal and wind power. Unique excavation and irrigation techniques would create a fertile and abundant land.
 In one section, Etzler describes the manufacturing process for an omni material.  By combining all available excavated matter and bi-product materials it would be possible to engineer a super material. With due care and diligence this material had the potential to meet all our material demands.
 Etzler provided detailed mathematical equations in order to make a compelling argument for his vision. Engineering blueprints were included and a number of  US patents were successfully granted on his innovative devices.
 Soon after publication a growing number of followers across America and Britain raised enough funds to begin prototyping.  The Venezuelan Government donated land for the experiment to continue. His British followers built one of his sailing vessels and joined him in Venezuela
He was never heard of again.

167 years later and due to a renewed awareness in ecology these material experiments pay homage to Etzler’s vision. It is perhaps a timely moment to revive these plans that have been lost due to his presumed demise in South America

>The paradise within the reach of all men...

The Paradise within the reach of all men...Material workshop with the House of Fairy Tales

Tate Modern, Port Eliot Festival and Clumber Park, Summer 2009