Meet the community: tilers

Elaine and Gerry Cameron are tilers. Together they form 'GH Maintenance and Repair', a local Wellingborough firm. They've been in business for 25 years and specialise in tiling kitchens and bathrooms, especially for the elderly. Four weeks ago, they received a phone call asking them if they'd like to install a piece of artwork...

Elaine: We got a phone call about four weeks ago asking about this project from a friend who works at wellingborough Homes. Our children go to the same school together. It was a complete surprise.

Gerry: Our friend asked, 'would I be able to do a mosaic?' I said, 'of course.' We had no idea of what shape or size it was going to be. We've done mosaics before, but only in people's homes. We were nervous before we started and before we'd seen the mosaics. This is my first artwork.

Elaine: We thought it was a great thing, though. It's about trying to lift the area and the children are involved in that. We thought that was such a good idea. They need good things here.

Gerry: I spoke to Kay Aplin, the artist, to find out more. She explained what it was and we weren't so apprehensive. We asked Kay to make some templates, which she did, so that we could position the birds exactly. We used rapid-drying cement-based adhesive to stick the bird mosaics to the wall. You can buy it from any hardware store. But you do have to be so careful with mosaics like this, as bits can start dropping off them. When we lifted up the mosaic pieces, we realised how weighty they are.

Elaine: Once we got going on the work, we were OK. The mosaics are really exciting and colourful. It is fun to work on this. The shapes are all different and the grouting is fine work. Kay is so clever and so patient. It takes a long time to cut out shapes that detailed. It's beautiful.

Gerry: Yes, we love the artwork. You have to sit down and cut out all the individual pieces by hand. We're really pleased with how it's going so far. It's visible to the whole neighbourhood, as they use the shop.

Elaine: All of them have been saying how much they love the artwork. Children and teenagers have been asking us, "where's the bird my street's named after?" Children in push-chairs can touch the artwork, 'cos the sandpiper is low down on the wall.

Gerry: Their only worry seems to be about other people vandalising it.

Elaine:The best thing has been the feed-back from the children. Seeing their faces and them saying, "I did that!" They feel people care and want good things for them. One Dad came down as we were working and said, "My son did that!"

Thanks to Elaine and Gerry, whom Hemmingwellartist met at the Well cafe on the estate this morning. Hope you enjoyed your breakfasts and thanks for the piece of toast, as I was rushing!