26 Jan 2012
Freshwater Bay Mural
In the middle of the promenade at Freshwater Bay is an old concrete shelter, one of those popular in the 60s, functional, solidly built and with very little architectural merit. It once had glass in the window frames so you could sit inside on the bench, sheltered from the elements, and look out over the bay. But the glass disappeared long ago. The pillars and frames remain and it does still offer shelter from the rain in winter and the sun on hot days in the summer.
Centre panel of the mural at Freshwater Bay Isle of Wight
But the best thing that has happened to the shelter is the mural. Created from glass, tiles, and other shiny materials, it features some of the Bay residents – cormorants, mackerel, bass, wrasse and pollock. It’s simply beautiful and even manages to lift the structure that contains it into something special.
Created by Catherine Van Giap mosaic artist who lives in Totland at the Seahorses Art Studio in Freshwater. The project was supported with money from West Wight Landscape Partnership and Freshwater Bay Residents Association.
For information on where to stay see self catering accommodation at the Studio Apartment
Although taking part in the making of this mosaic I didnt complete all the work myself, most was done by the local freshwater Bay Residents Association at seahorses art Studio, which is a great place, in Totland Bay, but I don’t actually live there!
There is a new Mosaic currently being made at Seahorses to raise money for a new Lifeboat for Freshwater Bay, more details can be obtained from Seahorses B&B if you wish to contribute. It is going to be installed this Easter I think.
Catherine Van Giap
January 27th, 2012 at 5:46 pmpermalink
The artists of Freshwater will be taking part in the Open Studio weekend July 14-15 at Freshwater Parish hall and other local venues. See the Open Studios website
http://www.isleofwightarts.com.
for details of participating artists.
Barry Ecuyer
April 17th, 2012 at 10:55 ampermalink
Love the mural – I’m disappointed that I missed the Open Studio weekend !
Next time I shall be there.
Barbara Blevins
October 9th, 2012 at 1:15 pmpermalink