STREET art to bring history back to a National Trust building near Worcester has been unveiled while a major revamp of the site takes place.
Croome Court is set to capture the nation’s attention after the 40 foot work was put up to cover the scaffolding around the area, which is currently undergoing an 18-month repair funded by the Heritage Lottery.
Designed and created by nation-wide artists and inspired by Croome’s colourful past, the scheme offers a brand new approach to presenting art and heritage at a country estate.
Tom Bennett, Croome’s creative director, said: “We wanted to do something quite different on the temporary wrap which is on the north side of the house.
“So we decided to commission experienced and emerging street artists to create an eye-catching and attention grabbing design which was deeply rooted in Croome’s history.
“I hope that the artwork provokes and inspires our visitors and the wider community by showcasing a form of art that some people may have never seen before, while interpreting the people that lived, loved and worked here.”
Mr Bennett helped manage the project, which sees the 6th Earl of Coventry, his wife Maria Gunning, famous landscape designer ‘Capability’ brown and a 1950s schoolboy all painted, with Bristol-based arts company Upfest.
Stephen Hayles, project leader for Upfest, said: “Bringing together this project for the National Trust has been one of the most interesting projects I have worked on.
“This is a first for the National Trust and also a first for painting onto such a large temporary surface which has brought its own challenges and interest.
“For me, the project encompasses what Croome is all about and for it to take place in such a stunning setting is the cherry on the cake.”
Worcestershire based artist Miss Wah helped create the pieces, along with Silent Hobo, Cheo, Andy Colwill and My Dog Sighs.
