Visit Bath has unveiled a piece of artwork created by a local artist to launch their new Independent Bath campaign, which aims to highlight the diverse independent businesses across the city.
Photo © Visit Bath
The launch event took place in local art gallery 44AD artspace, with food and drink provided by independents, Comptoir+Cuisine and the Beckford Bottle Shop.
Executive Chairman for Visit Bath, Craig Jenkins, said: “One of Bath’s pulls is that it offers unique shopping, dining and accommodation experiences.
“From one-off boutiques, quirky cafés, bars and restaurants, to jewellers, artists, museums, galleries, markets and festivals, Bath has something for everyone to enjoy and the team at Visit Bath want to shine a light on this specifically during the months of April and May.”
Visit Bath commissioned local artist Jessica Palmer to create a piece of artwork that reflected the independent spirit of the city.
Photo © Visit Bath
Jessica’s creation is a fictional representation of individual artisans and makers. The figures are colourful and characterful, conjuring up that ‘special something’ that makes Bath’s independents so appealing.
Jessica said: “This project was the perfect opportunity for me to combine design, painting and a touch of collage. The brief asked for a colourful, vibrant image which would spark interest in Bath’s Independents.
“I found a reclaimed Victorian door, and Batheaston-based framers Lark Designs framed and built a stand for the piece.
“The finished artwork features glass blowing, cocktail mixing, cheese making, bookselling and much more, with decoupaged references to traditional crafts and the history of Bath.”
The artwork will go on tour in some of the independent shops in Bath during the campaign so that residents and visitors can take a closer look.
Visit Bath plan to sell the artwork at the end of May, with proceeds going to local independent support group We Get It.
Anyone wishing to express an interest in purchasing the artwork should email vicki.cheadle@visitbath.co.uk.
Visit Bath support a local organisation as part of their activity for each of their campaigns. We Get It was chosen for this campaign as it is run by a team of local people who have a deep understanding of tackling cancer, and now provide much-needed support and information for people in Bath who are dealing with cancer via workshops and meet ups.
Patron of We Get It and former journalist and TV presenter, Bob Crampton, said: “What makes the newly-formed cancer support group special is that it is run by people who’ve experienced cancer or are still being treated.
“The organisation offers help to those just diagnosed, patients facing up to life after the NHS care and all those touched by cancer – whether patients themselves or those caring for them.
“We run nutritional and exercise regimes – and, most importantly, organise gatherings where patients and former patients can meet in the Bath area.”
You can find out more about the Independent Bath campaign at http://www.visitbath.co.uk/independent.
