A LOCAL illustrator has created a mural on the glass window of Contact Warrington as part of an arts project to explore the town’s role in World War One.
“My Subject is War” is a multi-disciplinary visual arts project by illustrator and artist Emma Brown.
The artwork at Contact Warrington, the council’s one-stop-shop in Horsemarket Street, depicts scenes from Raddon Court Hospital, Rylands Wireworks, Bank Park and Orford Barracks, as well as others. The text has been lifted from First World War propaganda posters, newspaper headlines and local recruitment notices.
The artwork is printed on vinyl with additional hand-drawn illustrations, created this month.
Emma has created window murals at Contact Warrington before moving to Golden Square Shopping Centre’s Information Centre on April 24 and 25 and May 8 and 9 May. An exhibition of animated work at Pyramid and Parr Hall, focusing on local war stories, hospitals, industry and propaganda will then open on July 18.
Earlier this year, Emma worked with the Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, and three local groups to discuss the content of the artwork.
Creative Remedies art group focused on the use of propaganda and the effect that this would have had on the town.
Oakwood Avenue Primary School discussed life as a soldier or nurse and looked at photos of war hospital Raddon Court in Latchford. The class also produced sketches of items typically found in a “Tommies” kit; these are included in the artwork.
Bewsey Local History Society shared personal stories and photographs and examined the industrial contribution that Warrington made during the war.
Emma said: “It was a normal day with people visiting Contact Warrington to find out information, pay bills or book appointments so it was interesting to see people reacting to the artwork taking shape around them. The staff team have been fantastically supportive about the project and I really enjoyed being based there for the day.
“When you’re ‘live drawing’ on to the window, it’s a real conversation starter and a great opportunity for the public to voice their opinions about the work.
“ I’ve had some fantastic ideas and feedback from residents during the workshops and I’m hoping that seeing the completed vinyl artwork and watching the ‘live drawing’ will inspire the public to share their own knowledge about Warrington and its place in World War One.”
Cllr Mike Hannon, deputy leader of the council and chairman of the WW1 Commemoration task group, said: “I am really pleased to see Emma’s battlefield mural come to life and that our one-stop-shop is the canvas for this incredible piece of artwork which will capture the imagination of the town.”
The project has been specially commissioned by Culture Warrington, with additional funding from Arts Council England and Warrington Borough Council.
As part of the council’s plans to mark the First World War centenary, local groups and organisations can apply for funding for their own project or event.
Visit www.warrington.gov.uk/WW1events for more information.
Picture by Tony Culpin shows Emma at work on the window
