The Piano Raft

I've seen this remarkable vessel on the canal around the area before, though in recent months it appears to have been extended and embellished. It is the 'Piano Raft', the home of Ben Cummins - artist, former university lecturer and wandering nomad. Four years ago, he set himself the task of transporting a piano (that appears to have seen better days) from Liverpool to London by canal, on this floating raft that has no motor and has to be pulled. Perhaps sensibly, he has given himself 25 years to achieve it! The entire raft is made of recycled items - the doors and drawers of vintage furniture, pallets, a window made out of a washing machine door - all floating on blue plastic barrels. He uses a small bath to row to shore, when that is needed. Recently he has extended the space to provide a platform to be used for theatre workshops along the way.

It's becoming quite famous. There have been numerous articles in the press (see HERE) and Ben himself has a Facebook page (HERE), a Twitter account and quite a devoted following.  Easy perhaps, to dismiss it all as a bit bonkers... but Ben is a really open and friendly guy, full of ideas and enthusiasm. It wouldn't be the kind of life that most of us would choose, perhaps, but there's a lot to be said for a free spirit, a sustainable and creative lifestyle and the giving and receiving of simple hospitality and friendship. I hope Ben stays afloat, in every sense of the word.