Towpath transformation in Kidderminster
Areas of the canal side in Kidderminster have recently undergone
a complete transformation.
The tunnel underneath St. Mary's Ringway which links the areas
below St. Mary's Church to Weavers Wharf has had a complete
artistic makeover thanks to hard work from community volunteers
supported by Wyre Forest District Council, British Waterways and
the Community Housing Group.
The canal tunnel below St Mary's Church now has a complete new
look which will be welcomed by local residents, visitors and canal
boaters. This successful art and clean up project is part of
ReWyre, a major regeneration project for Kidderminster lead by the
Council and key local partners.
Artists Peter Barber and Tony Donnelly from Urban Canvas were
commissioned by the council to create a unique piece of graffiti
art during the Easter holiday period.
The project started with a planning workshop with ten local
young people and the two artists at the Boars Head Public House.
Stencils inspired by carpet designs and music scores were created
to use on the canal tunnel walls.
The tunnel wall is now a unique piece of artwork depicting a boy
as he journeys through the decades of the last Century.
Photographic quality portraits showing close ups of the boy's face
have been done free hand with spray cans.
A Council spokesperson said:
"The difference that this artwork has made to the tunnel is
incredible. It has improved this key gateway into the town and made
it an enjoyable experience. The art also symbolises that, through
the ReWyre regeneration initiative, it is time to take a new look
at Kidderminster and its future."
Find out more about ReWyre. You can also
view more of Urban Canvas's
work.
Photographs show tunnel underneath St. Mary's Ringway before and
after the artistic makeover.
The Council has also started a campaign to
reduce the amount of litter being dropped in towns in the
district. In March and April the authority, in
partnership with British Waterways and the Community Housing Group
organised a canal clean up. The Council was also joined by the
Friends of Springfield Park who held their own tidy day to improve
the appearance of the park. Volunteers collected a vast array
of rubbish including bicycles, tyres, a pushchair, scaffolding
poles and several bags of litter.
To find out more about the Friends of Springfield Park contact
Justin on 01562 732346.
Date of issue - 22nd April 2010
