Major artwork project honours historic school

The curtain has been lifted on two major artworks commissioned as part of the opening of Bromford’s new multi-million pound retirement living scheme in Stourport.

Marking the rich history and heritage of Stourport, two striking murals have been revealed for the first time at School Gardens – our new £10.5m retirement living homes on Tan Lane, near the centre of the town.

Birmingham-based public artist Claire Cotterill was commissioned to carry out the £30,000 project which has incorporated both old and new technology. One set of panels celebrates Stourport’s famous canal and wildlife while the second recognises the local heritage of the site and surrounding area, its history, industry and character as a leisure destination. A collage of old photographs displaying former pupils also marks the restoration of the original school building which used to be Tan Lane Infants School from 1897 before later becoming Stourport First School.

The artworks, one of which is almost 30ft high, have been secured into position in the specially designed atrium at School Gardens following a two-day installation process at the end of February. They will be officially unveiled at an event at 2pm on Wednesday 28th March with members of the public welcome to attend (fill out the form below).

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Claire, who has been working on bespoke artwork for over 25 years, said: “This has become a labour of love and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the unique history of Stourport and the site itself. My intention was to celebrate and acknowledge the various incarnations of the site – its people and history – to create a visual story that marks its rich heritage as it moves on into a new future.

“It is wonderful to see the panels through from their initial conception to the final installation. My thanks must go to Stourport Archives and the civic society for their support during research into the project.”

Penny Downing, Bromford’s sales and marketing director, added: “We felt this was a very worthwhile investment to mark the historic importance of the site and its relationship with the rest of Stourport as it takes on an exciting new life as our new retirement living development. Claire has worked with great finesse and determination throughout the whole project and we encourage people to come along and see it in all its glory on the 28th.”

The first residents will move into their new homes from the end of April ahead of a grand opening later in the year. School Gardens is providing 60 high-quality one and two bedroom apartments for people aged 55 and over and also features a café bistro, lounge, activity studio, gym, hair and beauty salon and landscaped gardens. A new marketing suite and show apartment has just opened following the sale of the existing show apartment.

Fancy attending the event at 2pm on the 28th March? Simply fill out the form below. For more information on School Gardens visit this page.