Stanmore art project unveiled
The results of an imaginative arts project capturing the essence of Stanmore were unveiled today (Wednesday 15 October).
The project led to the creation of giant postcards on six 1.2m x 2.4m panels accompanied by two large information boards on hoardings at the site of the former New Queen’s Head pub on Stanmore Lane.
The Stanmore community art project was commissioned by Winchester City Council and led by artist Laurence Dube-Rushby, who worked from the former library on Wavell Way throughout the summer. Some 350 people took part in the project.
Laurence collected photographs and images and also recorded local people’s stories of life in Stanmore. People can scan QR codes on the panels and listen to recordings via smartphones or tablets.
The designs follow a timeline through Stanmore’s history and are made up of images donated by local residents and organisations, including the City of Winchester Trust, The Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester City Council museum service, Thames Valley Archaeology, Stanmore Community Association, the Rifles Benevolent Trust, the Carroll Centre and St Luke’s Church.
The unveiling was supported by Cllr Eileen Berry, the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Steve Miller, Portfolio Holder for New Homes Delivery, Cllr Ian Tait, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Winchester City Council ward members Cllrs Jamie Scott, Derek Green and Rose Prowse, artist Laurence Dube-Rushby and local people from Stanmore who contributed to the project.
The event coincided with Winchester City Council’s appointment of the Drew Smith Group as contractor for building the 21 new council homes on the former pub site. The homes, including two- and three-bedroom houses, one-bedroom flats and a one -bedroom bungalow, are due to be completed by spring 2016.
Cllr Steve Miller, Portfolio Holder for Business Services including New Homes Delivery, said:
This is a double celebration for Stanmore: the history of the area is brought to life in this impressive art installation, while the day also brings us a step closer to much-needed new homes on the former New Queen’s Head site with the appointment of the contractor.
The City Council is committed to developing affordable homes for local people and these plans demonstrate our determination to deliver in Stanmore.
Cllr Jamie Scott, speaking on behalf of the local ward councillors, said:
A couple of us have lived in Stanmore for more than 50 years and we have been closely involved in the project. This art work is by local people for local people and it is a pleasure to see it come to fruition.
A footpath from the site across the recreation ground to the Carroll Centre will be built as part of the project.