The idea for the mural seems to have started with a passing comment by
someone in the village about how dull the underpass was and how a coat
of paint brighten it up.
The idea reached the ears of Chris Ellard who took up the challenge and
with the support of the Parish Council, WUP was born. The Parish Council
agreed to use money left over from a donation from Lord Proby towards
community improvements associated with Nene Pastures to help fund the
project. A grant was also obtained from the local authority to cover all
the costs.
Chris called in local artist Colin Slater to help with the project
and to create the design. Based in Polebrook, Colin studied mural
painting for his degree course and has worked on a number of murals
around the country.
To gather ideas and canvas opinions on what should be included in the
mural a consultation event was held at the Social Club. Colin then
took all the ideas to come up with an overall design, but one which left
plenty of space and flexibility for contributions during the painting
sessions, particularly from the younger residents of the village.
Less than two weeks before the start of the painting sessions, Chris
realised the mural should be on the far wall of the underpass, not the
footpath side as originally planned. The design was quickly reversed
although if you look very closely you may just spot the one item which
did not get changed and has been painted the wrong way round.
Its estimated over 60 people helped with the painting, probably the
biggest community project the village has ever seen. The ribbon for the
grand opening was jointly cut by the oldest and youngest volunteer
painters Vic Cooper and Lola Cross.
The mural has prompted a very positive response from the community.
"You see something new each time you look at it; Its far, far better
than I expected; Its turned the underpass into somewhere to visit not
just walk through", are just a few of the comments heard at the grand
opening ceremony.
Congratulations to everyone who has help to make WUP an overwhelming
success. Its a great addition to the local environment and will be a
welcome attraction for many years to come.
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Colin Slater is presented with the Golden Paintbrush Award by Parish
Council Chairman Derek Rowell.
Vic Cooper and Lola Cross (helped by her mother) cut the ribbon at the
official opening.
Helpers and their families take their time to view the many images and
ideas in the mural.
For more information on artist Colin Slater
click here.
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