Located at the center of Barry, Wales, Gladstone Gardens serves as a green oasis for the local community, offering a serene and peaceful escape amidst its lively sports fields.
The project involved designing and painting two vibrant murals that encapsulate the essence of the gardens through storytelling and artistic expression. These captivating murals vividly capture the park's energy and historical significance. Inspired by the local fauna, flora, and sports grounds nearby, the artwork draws from the surrounding areas to infuse the space with a sense of belonging. The carefully chosen color palettes mirror the vibrant hues present in the natural environment, adding to the overall beauty and charm of the park.
The first mural finds its place within a sensory garden, drawing inspiration from the local flowers creatively arranged to form a captivating kaleidoscope pattern. This intriguing design juxtaposes abstract elements and the surrounding nature, creating a playful visual contrast.
The second mural, on the other hand, represents the vibrant and energetic sports playing fields and courts of the area. The design cleverly incorporates the markings and textures typically found on football pitches, tennis, and basketball courts, using cropped lines to create an abstract scene that evokes a strong sense of movement and energy.
Throughout the design process, we conducted a workshop with the pupils of Gladstone Primary School, where we delved into the study of local nature, wildlife, and flora. Additionally, we engaged with the residents of Golau Caredig, a neighboring care home, to listen to their cherished memories of the Gardens and understand the significance of the space to them.
Design - Chris Page
Project management - Accent
Installation The London Mural Co.