Final thoughts - part one

As we wrap up the blog for the artist-in-residence project on the Hemmingwell, here are some final thoughts from our artist this year, Kay Aplin. 

“This piece will create an enduring difference to the area, raising the profile and contributing to a safer, more pleasant environment for all who use, live and work in the locality,” says Kay. 

“I have had many positive comments from every one passing by who has seen the work, including some who had previously been sceptical. This is a good sign that hopefully this addition will be respected and contribute positively to the area.” 

Kay continues her work as a public art professional and we wish her all the best.

Launch party!

With the art-work finally in place, it was time to celebrate all that the community had achieved with Kay Aplin, our artist-in-residence 2009. 

And so, on Tuesday afternoon, everyone who had been involved with the project in any way was invited to a launch party at the site on the Hemmingwell. 

Among those present was the Mayor of Wellingborough, Councillor Peter Morall, Councillor Graham Lawman , Councillor Bhupendra Patel and Councillor Martin Griffiths, who are all either represenatives on the Hemmingwell or have an interest in planning and regeneration. The Mayor attended in his official capacity, complete with chauffeured car! 

The mayor said: "This is a superb use of tiles and mosaic. It works for what it is. I am a great believer in street art. I have been very impressed by all the people who have worked with such time and energy on this project."

Council Lawman said: "This was a no-go area. It was depressing and dull. The art-work is fabulous. The bright colours are great."

We were delighted to see friends who have featured on the blog, including Kay Rogers from the Well cafe, Elaine and Gerry our tilers, Vanessa Forbes who is Extended School Manager at Sir Christopher Hatton School, plus police community support officers, including our helpful friend Chris Howard. Children from the local schools who had been involved in the designs were also invited. The Hope project laid on fantastic food in the Community Centre and the Mayor gave a short speech.

Paula Armstrong, arts officer for Wellingborough council and organiser of the event, said: "The project is an important part of the work being undertaken by a partnership of community organisations and public agencies with the aim of improving the area." 

In other words, there's more to come for the Hemmingwell!

Some coverage of the launch in the local press here. 

Thanks to everyone who came!

Here come the birds

Here's the final art-work, in place on the Hemmingwell estate, hopefully for years to come.

A great time was had by everyone attending the launch today, including the mayor of Wellingborough. More pictures and words to come, very soon!

Hard at work!

As promised, here are some more images of Kay and our tilers hard at work putting the mosaics in place on the Hemmingwell estate. The whole process took place over 3 days, with breaks for cement to dry and the weather.

As you can see, safety was important and the tilers used scaffolding to make their job easier. Not only did the mosaics have to be fixed in place and backing paper sponged off, but they also had to be grouted and then carefully painted around to look super-neat.

If you're free next Tuesday afternoon, why not come to the launch and see the birds for yourself? Check out the invite. All welcome and, of course, hemmingwellartist will be there.

You are invited!

And finally...

Mr Sandpiper having his beak cleaned by Kay, our artist!

More images next week... :-)

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!