The Ludlow Art Mural Project was an amazing initiative. The idea of a mural was born in a chat over a beer. A deal to paint the boards on the former Budgens was agreed in a shake of the hand when I met Robin Morris the developer. Morris Property paid for the scaffolding and paint. Shropshire Council provided youth support.
The entire project went from first thoughts to completion in five weeks. Sometimes the discussion was stormy. That’s art and artists for you. Now with plans for new retail units and apartments submitted, the mural’s days are numbered.
In the fifteen months since the project was completed, there has not been any vandalism. The youth zone has been controversial because it is chaotic but it is owned by the young people of our town. Whatever people’s views on the artwork, and I love it, it’s our mural. Painted by us. For us.
We can’t keep this mural. I have looked for alternative locations. But there are none in Ludlow. It was always meant to be temporary artwork. The best that will survive is a photographic record.
We might be able to use part of the panelling elsewhere but its not very durable.
We move on. In the coming months, I hope we can create a mural for Friars Walk just down the road from the mural. We also see a detailed application for a supermarket at Rocks Green. I have already suggested this could provide an opportunity for a mural facing the A49.
