A residential street in Chippenham has been brought to life with a colourful new mural.
We awarded a £2,000 grant to Public Art Chippenham to support the creation of the artwork.
The funding followed a successful application to our Community Impact Fund, which supports projects that improve health and wellbeing, the environment, or life and employment skills for our customers.
The fund provides grants of up to £2,000 a year to resident groups, community projects and local charities, made possible through social value contributions from our suppliers.
The new mural, painted by Swindon-based creative firm Murals by Sarah, depicts a woodland scene featuring playful squirrels, fungi and autumnal foliage. It was painted on a brick wall near the junction of Greenway Lane and Hill Corner Road.
Taking to social media, Sarah Harris, founder of Murals by Sarah, said: “Big thanks again to Jason for his help getting this one started on Friday, and to Public Art Chippenham - PAC and GSA for the commission.
“I really enjoyed painting this one, got to say – not my usual style and a little out of my comfort zone with all those muted colours and black outlines! But I enjoy a challenge, and this was fun.”
The artwork was inspired by the work of 20th-century artist and etcher Robin Tanner, who spent the latter part of his life living near Chippenham. Tanner believed that the study of nature and the exploration of the arts were essential to everyone’s personal development.
The location for the mural was identified by our customers and colleagues in partnership with Public Art Chippenham. Situated close to St Paul’s Primary School, the artwork is now enjoyed by children and families who regularly pass by.
Francesca Pointing, our Housing Officer, said: “It has been fantastic watching the wall come to life, seeing all the colours come together and watching people stop to look at the artwork as it developed.
“It has already brought so much character to the area, and I hope it will bring a smile to everyone who walks past it for years to come.
“Chris from Public Art Chippenham has been absolutely amazing throughout the whole project, acting as a constant source of support and guidance.
“Artists Sarah and Jason worked incredibly hard, from early mornings to late evenings, to get this amazing mural completed in just three days.
“We couldn’t be happier with the result – and I think we can all agree that the wall has had one incredible transformation.”
We own and manage more than 8,000 social homes across Wiltshire, including homes in the immediate vicinity of the new mural.
Through our Community Impact Fund, we offer grants of up to £2,000 a year to resident groups, community projects and local charities, funded through social value contributions from our suppliers.