A local artist commissioned to paint the side of an underpass has been completed to the delight of the community.
The Roundwell Residents Association (RAA) wanted to enhance the space on the side of the underpass which hadn’t been covered but had been graffitied and was used frequently by the local college, schools, and shoppers in Barnstaple.
The group knew about local artist, Mark Read, who is a teaching assistant at Petroc Community College and thought he would be a great fit for the project.
He was looking to get his work showcased in the area, so he provided some initial designs. After submitting several for review, one was decided as being most suitable for a wall mural.
Mark Read, a local Street Artist said: “For me, the project has been a massive opportunity to get my name as an artist out there and to showcase my flexibility in terms of creating a design that could intrigue multiple audiences. It had to be something that generally everyone appreciated and enjoyed seeing.
“During the design phase it went in several different directions, but finally using the surrounding Roundswell area as inspiration it was drawn to the night-time insect scene. I've really enjoyed and learnt a lot from this project, and I really feel the bright colours change the space completely.”
LiveWest has over 30 homes in the area so held a consultation at Beech Close to get feedback from residents and find out if the art was an addition residents would want on the underpass. Following a successful consultation where residents were positive about the project, it was able to go ahead.
Mark added: “I would like to say thank you to both LiveWest for funding this project and to the RAA for organising and deciding to use me as the artist.
“Special mentions to Ken and Graham from the RAA and to Simon from LiveWest for being solid contacts during this project and giving me creative freedom.”
North Devon Council who own the bank and maintains it gave permission for the project to take place.
Our Community Connector, Simon Cohen, assisted with the project and we supported the project with over £350 of funding to pay for materials with Mark doing the mural work for free.
Julian Phillipson, our Housing Officer for Neighbourhoods, said: “It has been amazing to be part of this project. We have lots of residents here, so we know how important it is to improve the look of the underpass and support long-term projects such as this which will make such a difference to improving the community and has brighten up a space that really needed it.
“Thank you to all those who helped and assisted with this project. The artwork really looks fantastic, and it is also great that we have worked with the local community and partnership agencies to make this happen.”
The mural project is complete on one side and due to the success of the mural, with many residents and people passing through commenting that it is beautiful, unusual, and just what was needed, Mark has offered to do the other side too with some additional materials given from the Roundswell Residents Association.
Ken Sharman, Co-Chairman of the Roundswell Residents Association, (RRA) said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved with this project to have a mural painted on the underpass running under the A3125 going to Sainsbury's.
“The Roundswell Residents Association had to clear these walls of unsightly graffiti several times over the past few years, and it was very refreshing to be able to collaborate with one of our local housing associations, LiveWest to get this project completed.
“Mark Read has done a fabulous job creating a mural that catches the eye and brightens the whole area, we have had lots of very positive comments from local residents, an all-round success so well done to all those involved.”
Ray Jones, Neighbourhood Officer from North Devon Council, said: “It is powerful to see people taking pride in their locality, going the extra mile to improve things, and bringing communities together.
“We recognise the importance of supporting such efforts and realise the long-lasting benefits when projects like this are completed. Public art can lift people’s spirits, enhance our environment, and give people reason to protect and preserve it, today and into the future.”