Wildstone, the leading owner of outdoor media infrastructure, with operations across the UK, Europe and Australia, has partnered with Ilfracombe Town Council and local artists on a project aimed at brightening up the North Devon seaside resort’s historical centre as part of a long-term Cultural Plan.
Wildstone was approached for permission to paint a mural on the wall of a property it owns in Church Street by Neil Ingram, Project Officer at Ilfracombe Town Council. He had identified the site as an ideal location for the next in the series of environmental artworks local artist group Silk Crystal Studios has been painting across the harbour town.
Daniel Kehily-Jones and Hayley Whetter, the artists behind Silk Crystal Studio, are working in collaboration with the council to inject colour into the area via a series of sea-themed murals. Previous artworks in the series have included vibrant seascapes in the town’s once-neglected Arches area and the Ropery Road carpark.
Wildstone was so impressed with the duo’s previous artwork and proposal for its site, it not only agreed to give permission, but also funded the works. The property has now been transformed from a blank wall to a colourful piece of artwork featuring a crab and a jellyfish, a nod to Ilfracombe’s coastal heritage.
The artwork was created with a focus on sustainability, with the artists using water-based paints that have a lower environmental impact than other paint options. They also applied an anti-vandalism varnish, which will help to protect the mural well into the future.
Neil Ingram, Project Officer at Ilfracombe Town Council, said:
“Having worked with Hayley and Dan from Ilfracombe based Silk Crystal and Plymouth’s Spray Saint on other projects in town I knew straight away that the Church Street location was an ideal canvas for their work. On approaching Wildstone for permissions I was immediately impressed with their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved with our all too often overlooked community here in beautiful North Devon.
The 10-step action plan in the newly launched Ilfracombe Culture Plan includes “Enhancing Ilfracombe’s cultural identity through the delivery of new cultural events and public art whilst actively supporting the town’s current creative offering”. In supporting this project Wildstone have not only contributed to what is a fantastic piece of art but they have assisted in launching our ambitious cultural plans for residents and the many visitors to Ilfracombe.”
Sarah Bolt, Head of Estates at Wildstone, said:
“We are very proud to be able to support the Ilfracombe community in this wonderful project to brighten up their neighbourhood. As a company, Wildstone takes great pride in ensuring our sites blend in well with the appearance of local communities – and enhance them wherever possible. We’re also very keen to support artists working in their local areas, so the decision to become involved in this project was an easy one.”
Wildstone previously worked with Bristol Council to fund a mural by local artist Felix Braun, based around the slogan ‘Loves you Bristol’. The artwork was painted alongside the M32, at a location that had been suffering from tagging issues.
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