The GWR Park Substation Mural has sprung to life thanks to a community mural project.
As this article from The Link magazine reports, South Swindon parish council commissioned Artsite to lead a community mural painting initiative.
Recently completed, the community painting of the mural began during the blossom festival on the 28th April. Using a ‘painting by numbers’ method, visitors had the opportunity to pick up a brush and contribute to the artwork.
Caryn Koh and Paul Exton from Artsite designed the mural. It incorporates local landmarks and imagery to evoke Swindon’s rich heritage. The wall facing the Mother Language Memorial features the word ‘welcome’ in many of the languages spoken across Swindon.
A two-year project
This mural project marks the culmination of two years’ of improvement works in the GWR park as part of the Historic England Heritage Action Zone initiative. The National Trust have part-funded it.
The past two years has seen transformation on the park. There’s the addition of a new blossom circle, formal gardens, park furniture and information boards.
This new addition will surely bring a shot of glorious colour to the western side of the park?
Phillip Harland, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ Team Manager for the area, said: ‘We’re delighted to see the transformation of this SSEN substation. From a plain building to this fabulous work of art that everyone can enjoy.
‘We’d like to thank Swindon Parish Council, Artsite and the local community for all of their efforts to bring this project to life.’
With thanks to South Swindon parish council for the use of their photographs.
While we’re talking about the GWR park here’s a post about the First World War memorial in the park:
And of course, the park itself:
