Drovers Way transformed with colourful art

St Albans city centre has two new vibrant pieces of public art courtesy of a collaboration between St Albans City Centre BID, Collective Gallery, Bar Meze and the landlords and businesses on Waddington Road.

 The new murals which can be found at the Drovers Way junction with Catherine Street and the Drovers Way junction with Waddington Road, add a touch of colour and vibrancy to the area and commemorate St Albans’ past and present.

The Drovers Way mural painted on an exterior wall of restaurant Bar Meze, titled ‘We are all connected by invisible strings’, explores the idea that connection with others and nature contributes to our happiness. Lead artist Sarah Harrison and artist Amelia Hart were inspired by the city’s beloved peregrine falcons, Alban and Boudica which nested on St Albans Cathedral roof. The mural features the falcons on each side with a ribbon of last year’s mural by artist Mandy Johnson connecting them.

Further down the road at Waddington Road, lead artist Aisha Adi of Collective Gallery and artist Manasa SV created a tropical inspired mural. ‘Tropical Suburbia – A Rose for St Albans’ takes inspiration from the significance of roses in St Albans. Red roses are laid at the shrine of Saint Alban to honour his sacrifice for others, the white and red roses mark the War of the Roses which began in St Albans and the mural also pays homage to the famous Royal National Rose Society formerly in the city and once world renowned for its extensive rose garden.

Aisha Adi, Founder, Collective Gallery: “Art in public spaces particularly murals are hugely important as they can help to reflect the history, diversity and stories of an area. They can help to create a sense of cohesion and connection, bringing people together by fostering a sense of community. In addition to this, murals are beneficial for local businesses, increasing footfall and creating landmarks for tourism. Art can make streets look more interesting, promoting conversation and engagement for the community.”

Vivien Cannon, BID Manager, St Albans City Centre BID says: “These stunning murals create a strong welcome to residents and visitors into our city via Drovers Way which is not the most scenic of entrances. As part of our objective for Street Scene and Experience, we have enhanced this key entry area where two large hotels are located with murals, year-round planters and Christmas lights. Impressions matter.”

 For the past three years, the BID has worked with Collective Gallery to deliver the murals. The grassroots community art space supports local artists and facilitates public art projects in St Albans. The gallery on Holywell Hill was set up to provide a space for artists to exhibit their work and connect with the public and other artists. It is a space where the community can not only view and buy art work from local artists but also take part in creative workshops and events ranging from art classes, to artist talks and shows.

 Aisha Adi continues: “We are delighted to have worked with local businesses in St Albans over the past three years providing the opportunity for artists to create a mural and display their work in the community. We are proud to deliver these public art projects, not only to support local artists and independent businesses but also to help to strengthen community cohesion and a sense of connection. We wish to thank the business owners and St Albans City Centre BID for supporting this project.”

Find out more about Collective Gallery: www.collectivegallery.co.uk