• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Friday July 26 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Mural and art trail unveiled at Bristol’s EQ building

A 72ft mural and art trail has been unveiled at the flagship EQ development in Bristol.

Property developer CEG has worked with Art Acumen to deliver a landmark mural on the façade of its flagship EQ building, alongside the curation of an interactive app and art trail of Bristol’s history.

The mural, by artist Molly Hawkins, celebrates Bristol’s printing heritage, paying homage to the site’s legacy as the former Mardon, Son and Hall printworks.

Molly used collage and print-making techniques, along with the EQ building’s architectural nod to typesetter trays, as inspiration.

At 22m x 15m, the canvas is Molly’s most ambitious mural to date.

It provides a new visual anchor for Redcliffe, across from Temple Meads Train Station.

“The excitement of sharing my work on such a grand scale is absolutely exhilarating. I’ve worked closely with Bristol poet, Malaika Kegode,” said Molly.

“Together we spent days uncovering local stories and motifs and the thematic richness of printing and letter press.

“While I’ve crafted the visual motifs, Malaika has incorporated the historical narrative and poetry. I hope Bristolians, businesses and visitors alike enjoy the environment we have created.”

CEG also commissioned Art Acumen to create an art programme which would engage the local community with their surroundings.

Twelve artists, inspired by architecture, streets, events and local history have produced creative works guided by the Four Pillars of Bristol’s Cultural Future – equality and inclusion, connectivity and collaboration, talent and learning, culture and expression.

Showcased via an interactive app, a map guides artlovers on a journey through the local area from paintings to dancing, poetry to sculpture. It includes sketches, notes, maquettes, films and creative workspace tours.

Catherine Thomas of Art Acumen said: “Bristol is one of those wonderful UK cities that has pretty much everything going for it.

“Friendly people, world-class culture, stunning architecture and bursting with creativity. The EQ public art programme was designed to bring this creativity to the business district; presenting opportunities for the local community to engage with and discover their surroundings in a novel and nuanced way.

“Each artist has meticulously recorded their creative process, offering a wonderful and rare insight into the minds and workings of 12 talented artists.”

Paul Richardson, investment manager at CEG, said: “CEG is committed to delivering the best commercial workspace and the award-winning EQ is setting a new benchmark. This collaboration with local artists explores the rich history of this site and the surrounding area.

“EQ is providing a home for the fantastic results – from the mural on the exterior of the building providing a new landmark, but we also welcome visitors into EQ as they explore the displays and use the new interactive app of these exciting creative journeys.”

Georgina Bolton, public art officer at Bristol City Council, said: “Creative Journeys is a celebration of the creative talent of Bristol – shining a light on 12 artists who have created work in response to the context TQ and the surrounding business district.

“The app invites visitors into the artists’ worlds and encourages users to experience their local journeys in a new light.

“We are especially proud of this programme’s commitment to investing in the artists’ process and for changing our perceptions of the nearby public realm with their stories. We look forward to celebrating each creative journey at the launch and beyond.”