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Art Park Mural
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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.
Research | Creative Direction | Project Management | Arts Commissioning |Budget Control |Fundraising
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photography - Bespoke Atelier, Elena Gifford, Alex Zawadzki
The Bay, Blossoms, Sun Drift