Your chance to comment on the three finalists designs for the St Maurice’s Covert mural
The council’s online public exhibition is now available until 24 June 2022, via the council’s website. Members of the public are encouraged to take a look at the three designs and share their thoughts using this link: https://www.winchester.gov.uk/community-recreation/arts/st-maurice-s-covert-mural-designs
This project forms the final phase of part of plans to enhance the St Maurice’s Covert passageway and its surrounding environment, providing locals and visitors with an attractive gateway to the cathedral from the High Street.
An open call for designs, which attracted over thirty submissions from artists looking to design and deliver a vibrant, bespoke mural for the Covert, was undertaken and three shortlisted finalists, Sarah Hodgkins, Molly Hawkins and Jo Swannell have now developed their designs which can be viewed as part of the online public exhibition.
All three artists had very different approaches to what they wanted to achieve.
Sarah said:
“My aim is to create an inspiring mural that engages young and old visitors and residents alike. It will knit together historical and modern references, open out the space and be sprinkled with a little humour.”
Molly outlined her approach as a:
“…joyful design holding aspects of local heritage whilst celebrating contemporary design. Using the colours of Winchester City Council, the colour palette is curated to ignite inspiration and to enhance the surrounding environment.”
And finally Jo felt her design:
“…aimed to be a giant gilt-edged invitation to the people of Winchester…from all that the modern High Street has to offer, it’s just a short step this way to follow your painted contemporaries, meet some of the people who shaped this city, and find yourself in another time and space. From St Swithun to the Deliveroo cyclist in a hurry, we share the same spaces across time: we're all part of a continuum.”
Cllr Lucille Thompson, city council Cabinet Member for Business and Culture said:
“I am delighted that the response to this exciting opportunity and the quality of the designs has been exceptional. The panel have had some extremely difficult decisions to make. Each design is unique and inspiring and answers the brief beautifully. I am very much looking forward to seeing the transformation of St Maurice’s Covert for both residents and visitors to enjoy. I wish each artist the very best of luck.”