Back to Blogs
Discover
Two giant murals Leave Abbey 1000 Lasting Legacy
The sculptural murals were designed to celebrate 1000 years of the Abbey of St Edmund with a ‘Then and Now’ theme
Freelance artist Louise Gridley from Sugi Ceramics designed the mural and invited local schools with A Level provision to participate. Photo: Phil Morley
Two new, giant low relief murals were unveiled at The Apex entertainment centre in Bury St Edmunds on St Edmund’s Day, Sunday 20 November.
Created by freelance artist Louise Gridley from Sugi Ceramics, and each measuring 13m square, the sculptural murals were designed to celebrate 1000 years of the Abbey of St Edmund with a ‘Then and Now’ theme. The first panel depicts the story of St Edmund, while the second showcases key landmarks from the town as it is today.
Funding for the ambitious project was sought from Arts Council England with contributions from Abbey 1000 C.I.C. and Moyses Hall Museum. Other project partners included West Suffolk Council, The Apex, who provided the location for the mural, and Abbeygate Sixth Form College who made the generous space available for Louise to work as artist-in-residence for six months.
Louise designed the mural and invited local schools with A Level provision to participate. Staff and students from Abbeygate Sixth Form College, St Benedict’s Catholic School, One Sixth Form College and Thurston Community College all contributed to help realise the design.
As part of the workshop experience students learned about career pathways in the arts, which included life as a freelance artist and prop making in the film industry. Louise and the students worked with revolutionary sculpting material, Pal Tiya Premium, which is also used for prop making.
The sculptural murals were designed to celebrate 1000 years of the Abbey of St Edmund with a ‘Then and Now’ theme. Photo: Phil Morley
Commenting on the mural project Louise said; “I wanted to make a legacy art piece for our town that celebrates our rich heritage. It was important to me that young people within our community were involved in the making of the work as it will be their legacy gift to future generations.”
The part-time artist / part-time teacher admitted that this was her most ambitious project to date; “There were a few scary moments when I worried that the installation deadline of 19 November may not be met. But all worked out with St Edmund gaining his rightful place on the wall in time for his feast day. I would like to thank all the amazing project partners and participants for making this project a reality.”
Related Blogs
News
Tours Take Off for Masters of…
Tours developed by Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides and…
News
Vote for Bury St Edmunds Tour…
Vote now to Help Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides win the…
News
See Rendlesham Revealed at…
1,400-year-old Anglo-Saxon artefacts from National…
News
New afternoon tea at Lavenham…
Enjoy a Masters of the Air themed afternoon tea at The…
News
Itinerary: Masters of the Air
Follow in the footsteps of the Master of the Air
Latest news
News
Discover Suffolk's County Flower - the Oxlip
Did you know that Suffolk has a county flower? The Oxlip only grows in some woodland areas of Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.
News
Quentin Blake ‘The Illustrated Hospital’ exhibition at Bury St Edmunds Museum
A summer exhibition of illustrations by Quentin Blake at Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds presents a rare opportunity to view a large collection of pieces by one of the nation’s favourite artists.
News
Abbey Project Awarded National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant
The project aims to conserve and protect the ruins; build a visitor centre, west cloister, and network of footpaths; and use digital technology to provide exciting interpretation for all ages and…
News
Walks at Rougham
Rougham Estate offers 18 miles of public footpaths, cycling routes and permissive pathways for you to enjoy.
News
Bury St Edmunds Celebrates English Tourism Week
Bury St Edmunds MP, Jo Churchill, met representatives from the town’s attractions and tour guides involved with the town’s Masters of the Air tourism campaign at Bury St Edmunds Guildhall.
News
Tours Take Off for Masters of The Air
Tours developed by Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides and Bury St Edmunds Guildhall to tie in with the Apple TV Series Masters of The Air so popular more dates are being added.
News
International illustrator David Hughes draws largest exhibition Bury St Edmunds
The largest ever exhibition is now underway at Moyse’s Hall Museum featuring the work of internationally acclaimed illustrator David Hughes.
News
A Taste of Bury St Edmunds and Suffolk
After visiting Suffolk's foodie capital, you'll want to take it with you - here are 5 foodie treats to take home!
News
Doctor Who Stars Coming to Bury St Edmunds to Star in Sherlock Holmes Classic
Who stars Colin Baker, Terry Molloy, and Rosie Baker will star in Hound of The Baskervilles at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal