North Taunton Community Murals
Over three weeks in late May and early June 2021, we worked with the residents of North Taunton to paint their own nature murals across the neighbourhood, bringing the colour and wildlife of the Quantock Hills to the doorstep. The first weekend saw over 45 people turn up to show their support, and across just two days on a swelteringly hot bank holiday weekend, they managed to paint 30 metres of hoardings.
The murals were designed by regional artist Dave Bain, taking inspiration from the residents, who took a ‘wildlife walk’ trip into the Quantock Hills, organised by the LPS and then brought their experiences of the natural heritage they discovered home to shape and influence the colours and images portrayed on the hoardings.
It was an overwhelmingly positive response from this fantastic community. It really showed the depth of generosity, kindness and imagination within the neighbourhood. After months of national restrictions it was wonderful to have the opportunity to share this colourful activity with others and see people from all across the neighbourhood join in. We saw inspirational community spirit from those involved, with many people pledging to stay for only thirty minutes but ending up staying for over three hours.
Community Engagement & Volunteering Officer Jon Barrett
The opportunity to paint the hoardings was facilitated by Somerset West and Taunton and in discussion with the housing development agency, Engie. Local community members joined in the painting alongside residents with contributions from Angela Bolitho, Somerset West and Taunton Engagement Lead, PCSOs Georgina Cunningham and Natasha Shattock, as well as Somerset West and Taunton Priorswood Ward Councillor Brenda Weston.
If you want to read in more detail about how we got the project up and running, especially during Covid restrictions, take a look at our project blog here, written by Jon Barrett, our Community Engagement and Volunteering Officer, who managed the project, and our gallery below.
