People’s Park Shelter Receives an Artistic Revamp

After sitting somewhat neglected for many years the shelter in Tiverton's People's Park has received a welcome renaissance, thanks to joint efforts of the council and local community.

The shelter which was once used as a place for local people to meet and socialise within the park, was boarded up with corrugated metal sheeting several years ago, due to ongoing antisocial behaviour and vandalism, which blighted the building.

But Mid Devon District Council and the trustees of People's Park decided the shelter needed to be revamped and brought back into community use as a visual feature within the park.

Councillor Les Cruwys, Chairman of Peoples Park Trust said:

"Due to antisocial behaviour this beautiful shelter had to be boarded up and it's wonderful to see it open again. The new undercover seating around the outside will allow people to sit and enjoy not only the artwork but the beautiful surroundings of People's Park. The artists have captured the history of the town and the park wonderfully."

Councillor Ben Holdman, Vice Chairman of Peoples Park Trust and Ward Member said:

"The local artists have done us proud and created these wonderful portraits to help return Peoples Park shelter back to its former glory. I am delighted with the final result, and I hope people are able to enjoy them for years to come"

Four local artists were commissioned by the Council, with Ethan Billing from Ethan Billing Art, Sophie Mullins from Sea Thrift Art and Emma and KeziaMullins from The Unnamed Arts Festival group tasked to embark on a project with the local community and council to come up with mural designs for the building, while enhancing the original structure.

A number of community workshops were held to gain ideas and seek community input, before the design was finalised. Feedback from the workshops showed a clear desire from the public to retain the shelter for its original use with a wish to enhance its appearance. It was decided that new artwork would be installed, with a vision to depict people's memories from the park over the years.

Councillor Simon Clist, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Property said:

"The shelter is looking fantastic. There were a lot of positive comments while the artwork was being mounted and now the refurbishment of the shelter is complete it is looking even better."

The four murals that make up the artwork have now been mounted on the building, which has also been repaired and redecorated to complement the new artwork.

Emma Mullins, artist, said:

"We are all local residents and have worked very hard to produce this colourful, relatable piece of work for you all to enjoy. We also felt strongly that the public should still be able to use the shelter for its original purpose. Whilst fitting the murals the team met many members of the community (and their dogs!) and had some wonderful conversations about their own experiences and memories growing up using the park. All were very pleased to see the shelter being restored in such a colourful but sensitive way"

Artist Ethan Billings, said:

"I was excited to get my work in a public space and add some colour to an area, which was unfortunately previously out of use. I am very happy with how my work on the mural has turned out and I think the mural as a whole looks great."

The Council now hopes to install ramp access to the shelter to enable everyone access to the shelter and artwork.

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