Artwork at Brooks Dye Works Makes the Hoarding a lot Brighter.

Together with Galliard Homes and St Pauls Carnival we have unveiled the hoarding artwork created by local artist Emma J Holloway (aka Urban Butterfly) and pupils of St Werburghs Primary School. The art project is displayed across the hoarding on the site at Brooks Dye Works and reflects the history and vibrancy of the site.

The project kicked-off with a fun-filled art workshop led by Urban Butterfly with two classes from St Werburghs Primary School. Children were tasked with visualising and communicating their thoughts on the history and vibrancy of the area, through to the new homes, public square, and nature seen at the development today. The children then had a great day of collaging and print making to make the final hoarding artwork piece.

LaToyah McAllister-Jones, Executive Director of St Pauls Carnival, said, “We have loved being involved in this project. As a cultural heritage organisation, we wanted to support local children to explore how communities change and evolve but leave behind their legacy; the Brooks Dye Works site, with its glorious chimney, is a great example of legacy and heritage.”

Urban Butterfly, said, “It was great fun to work with Year 3 students from St Werburghs Primary School on this project! They were super enthusiastic and enjoyed experimenting with mixed media in response to learning about the history of the Brooks Dye Works and some of the unique features of the new housing development. The best part was the children’s excited response to seeing their own work enlarged and installed on the site. Very empowering for them, something they’re obviously proud of and will remember for a long time to come.”

Helen Faulkner, Headteacher at St Werburghs Primary School “The students absolutely loved the workshop. It was fantastic for them to visit the site and see the work they had created at such a large scale, it was a really proud moment. We are pleased they could be involved in an exciting art project in their local area.”

Robin Squire, Regional Managing Director at our Bristol office commented, “The redevelopment of Brooks Dye Works expands the public area, with improved pedestrian access to the park by reopening routes which had been lost since the 1950’s. Throughout the development process we have always tried to keep the environment on site as inviting as the new homes we are delivering.  So, with the help of St Pauls Carnival, Urban Butterfly and the children of St Werburghs Primary School, it felt like a perfect opportunity to deliver a piece of community art.”

George Baffoe-Djan, Head of Galliard Western Division commented, “Centred around the iconic landmark chimney, Brooks Dye Works is a key regeneration site in St Werburghs.  It’s been great to work with St Pauls Carnival, St Werburghs Primary School and artist Urban Butterfly to bring this project to life for a community with a distinct creative scene, eclectic mix of independent businesses and a strong focus on the local environment.”

Brooks Dye Works is a development of 113 houses and apartments in St Werburghs. The former Brooks Laundry dates back to the 19th century when the site was used for industrial units by Brooks Dyers and Cleaners, so it’s been wonderful to see how the children of St Werburghs Primary school have visualised how they view the site in the past and present.

To find out more about the final house available at Brooks Dye Works, please call the team today on 0117 428 0461.