A group of young artists have come together to transform a graffiti covered wall on the path alongside the River Avon in Bath with a vibrant mural.
The mural on the back of a building used by the Army Reserve Centre | Photo © B&NES Council
The artwork is part of a series of improvements to the Bath River Line, a 10km stretch of the river corridor between Newbridge and Bathampton, which aims to better connect the river path to nearby green spaces.
The mural project was a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council and Little Lost Robot, an independent non-profit collective of artists working with social practice across the district.
The design, on the back of a building used by the Army Reserve Centre, was developed during two workshops for NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young artists, and painted by four of the youngsters during several sessions last month.
It celebrates the unique wildlife found along the river and reflects the vision of the council’s Bath River Line in helping to connect the community and visitors to their natural environment.
Ruby Sant, Director of Little Lost Robot / Head of the Inclusive Communities team Bath Spa, said: “It has been an absolute delight to work with our artists Jak and Rose and our team of young designers and painters to create a fantastic new mural for the riverside.
“It’s a great opportunity for emerging artists to get paid employment, delivering artwork for the public, starting off careers in the arts.”
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said, “I would like to say thank you to everyone involved in creation of this fantastic mural and to Little Lost Robot who managed the design and installation.
“It demonstrates the creative skill there is in our community and helps to brighten up a stretch of the path.
“I would encourage residents and visitors to explore the Bath River Line and take a look at this wonderful artwork which celebrates the natural environment of our river banks.”
Construction recently began on Phase One of the Bath River Line project, which aims to improve the stretch between Windsor Bridge and Green Park with new seating, improved access to the river path and ecological planting.
New wayfinding signage will also be installed. Work is currently underway to create a river viewing area and improve the entrance from Green Park to the riverside path.
Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for sustainable B&NES, said: “The Bath River Line supports the council’s vision of being Nature Positive by 2030 by creating and enhancing the natural habitats along the river to improve biodiversity and climate change resilience and provide social spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone.
“The work will be carried out in three phases, enhancing and expanding the active travel network in Bath by creating a level, accessible riverside route between Newbridge and Batheaston for residents and visitors.”
Work will continue along the River Line into August, with further phases to be delivered beyond that.
Sections of the towpath will be closed temporarily and only where necessary, with signage and diversions for users of the path. Details of further improvements can be found on the council’s website.
Rivers are the focus of the Festival of Nature events taking place in Bath in June and various free family-friendly events will be linked to the Bath River Line. The full Festival of Nature programme can be found here.
