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Public art mural by Bespoke Atelier on the site of the former Super Swimming Stadium and Dome Arena
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Date
Summer 2017

Location
Morecambe Promenade

Client
Lancaster City Council

Artwork
Commissioned by Deco Publique - Designed and Painted by Bespoke Atelier

Collaborators
We worked with the Great Place Housing Association, and a group of young people from the Poulton area of Morecambe who took part in painting the mural

Funder
Coastal Communities Fund and Lancaster City Council

Project highlight
Seeing how many people now use this once under-loved space as a backdrop for their creative projects - from musicians and bands to TV journalists

In 2017 Deco Publique commissioned Bespoke Atelier to create a large scale public art mural. The project evolved from a report by Deco Publique into the art-led development of the former lido and dome arena, a 4,000m² space on Morecambe Promenade.

Our report proposed that placemaking methods of ‘lighter, quicker, cheaper’ techniques should be used to re-enliven the underused space that was also an eyesore on a central seafront location.

Through an open call process we commissioned Glasgow based, Bespoke Atelier, a surface design studio producing innovative patterns for public realm, interiors and architecture projects.

Bespoke Atelier created a graphic series of painted interventions referencing Morecambe's site-specific nostalgia - large scale patterns hand-painted onto the existing concrete walls.

The studio drew inspiration from graphics and architectural shapes which compliment the heritage and site-specific nostalgia. The architectural art deco links were an important feature whilst the modular shape of the 1930’s Midland hotel, and the lost graphic art of Eric Ravilious was a great source of inspiration. Bespoke Atelier studied the abstraction and modernisation of the nostalgia related to the space, drawing colour and graphic inspiration from both vintage and contemporary sources.

Since being painted, the mural has become a backdrop from music, film, theatre and photography - including Blossoms on location for 2019 single, Your Girlfriend and ITV’s, The Bay filming scenes from the six part series on site.

Project Areas

Abstraction and Modernisation

Intricate details and repeat motifs allow for continued curiosity in the artwork upon repeated viewings from visitors. Attractive and intriguing wall treatments were painted, utilising colours and patterns to create a point of focus, curiosity and contemplation for the public.

Participation

We invited a group of young residents from the Poulton area of Morecambe to take part in the painting. The group came with their families and worked with Deco Publique and Bespoke Atelier to paint the mural but also to talk with us about how they use the space and what they want from it. Supported by Great Place Housing Association.

Enlivening the space with contemporary artwork that references the sites unique and storied heritage

Pattern inspired by architectural style and cultural context; scalloped pattern emphasised on the curved wall; abstracted and recognisable shapes throughout artworks to create a visual representation of the story of the space; playful artworks for wall and floor treatments creating visual illusions and journeys.

Film & Music On Location

Since the creation of the Art Park mural, it’s become a backdrop for music and TV, filming and performance. The Blossoms filmed their 2019 single, Your Girlfriend on location, Mr Ben and the Bens filmed Songbird Daytripping (above), Sun Bird made the music video So Fun, ITV’s The Bay, a detective series set in Morecambe filmed tense scenes at the mural and dancer Jenny Reeves held a community dance performance at the space.