A high street in Brislington has undergone a makeover via a set of nature-inspired murals.
Anna Haycock Wilson and two Bristol street artists have transformed the ramps and pillars of a pedestrian overpass on Bath Road.
The once-blank structures are now filled with colourful artworks created by Bex Glover and Luke Palmer, known as Acerone, featuring flowers, trees, birds, foxes and squirrels.
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The murals were inspired by youth engagement activities where a theme of “nature reclaiming the concrete that dominated the high street” arose.
Brislington Hill is home to stores including an Afro-Caribbean supermarket, a retro toy shop, a gym, an Indian takeaway and beauty salon
Community arts project manager Haycock Wilson, who was the co-creater of a giant scrabble mural in her neighbourhood of Hotwells, said the project responded to ideas from local people in Brislington and aimed to give them a chance to express themselves.
“In Brislington, a lot of people said that they want to see more nature and people also worried about the road being really busy and noisy,” she explained.
“Lots said they would like to see some street art, including quite elderly people which surprised me.”
The artists added aim of the project, as well as to increase football in the area, was to encourage conversation.
Haycock Wilson explained: “The primary kind of benefit comes through the discussions the artworks spark.
“People wanted to talk about solutions, whether it’s about lowering traffic noise or reclaiming nature.”
Mural artist Bex Glover said: “I was delighted to be asked to help paint the mural, adding my stylised foliage and creatures among Luke’s bold geometric designs.
“I’m really happy with how our styles have come together discovering a harmony in the shapes we both use in our work along with an exciting combination of colours resulting from the collaboration.
“Brislington is my local neighbourhood and so it was an extra pleasure to help with this project and bring some colour and life to this Bristol community.”
BS4’s latest murals are the culmination of a wider project which saw Greater Brislington Together working with artists to provide arts activities at the Brislington Village Market and in partnership with Young Bristol Youth Club on Wheels.
Brislington Arts is being delivered as one of the activities under the city centre and high streets recovery and renewal programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority’s Love our High Streets project.
All photos & video: Betty Woolerton
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