A grand piano burns in this epic film by Turner prize-winning Scottish artist Douglas Gordon.

On a site overlooking the ‘barbarian border’ between England and Scotland, a beacon is hidden deep within the Cumbrian landscape. Although re-enacting an ancient tradition this is no ordinary burning, as Gordon is dragging one of the western world’s great icons to serve as a warning and a celebration. The End of Civilisation was shown at the iconic Tyne Theatre, built on the site of a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall in Newcastle city centre.

The End of Civilisation is a Great North Run Culture and Locus+ True Spirit co-commission – work that explores the true spirit of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The film was also part of the London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK. 

Watch an excerpt from the film here: