Shaping Newport share this latest news, in their own words. Ed
Have you seen our beautiful new mural across the seating in Newport High Street?
We are so pleased to have been able to bring vibrancy to this space, especially ahead of the Tour of Britain coming through Newport this weekend!
Local artist Alice Malia pulled out all the stops under a very tight deadline last week to design and deliver this mural that celebrates Newport’s place at the heart of the Isle of Wight UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Mural inspired by swifts and the sky
Working by torchlight over two evenings, Alice and her team of painters completed the colourful depiction of a flock of swifts feeding on a swarm of insects that visually unites a busy stretch of the High Street.
The design incorporates colours inspired by the sky as well as the three rivers that flow through Newport. There is also a nod to the Tour of Britain cycle race in the lines and shapes that sweep across the seats in the direction of travel.
Malia: We have some ideal habitat for swifts in our local biosphere reserve
When describing the rationale behind the design, Alice said,
“Swifts are amazing birds that migrate from central Africa to the south of the UK every summer.
“We have some ideal habitat for swifts in our local biosphere reserve, and ideal nesting and feeding habitat for them here in the Newport area.
“They come here specifically to feed off mosquitos and other flying insects living around the Medina and its tributaries all through Newport. Swifts only nest in human made structures and Newport has a wealth of old buildings that provide ideal habitat for them.
“Like many bird species, sadly swifts are in decline too. People can help them continue to migrate here by installing swift boxes, and property developers can even add swift bricks to new building projects.”
Support for project
Thanks to Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, Isle of Wight Heritage Action Zone and the Isle of Wight Council for funding the project.
Thanks to our artist and her team of helpers, with permission from Island Roads to work during an existing road closure.
We hope you love the new artwork as much as we do.
Images: © Shaping Newport
