New mural in Mill Street welcomes visitors to Bideford

A new mural 'welcoming visitors to Bideford' has recently been unveiled in Mill Street, Bideford.  Created by local artist Ryan Ward, the colourful two metre by two metre artwork proudly sits at the gable end of Country Cottage Bakery.  The graphic mural has been created in a vintage advertising style with a welcoming feel and has been inspired by the colours of dusk and the local starlings that fly in a murmuration by the bridge. 

The initiative, which is supported by the Bideford Regeneration Board, has been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.  Fabricated by Caddsdown-based company Mimick Signs, it is hoped that the artwork will bring a splash of extra cheer to this public space throughout autumn, winter and beyond. 

Bideford based artist, Ryan Ward, (www.oddasea.co.uk), was delighted to have been given the opportunity to design the mural, he explains:

"I have lived in Bideford on and off for many years! - I have travelled and worked away, but always come back to Bideford. Driving back home and looking at the old bridge from the new bridge gives me a sense of relaxation, I love the area, the people and community that we have ... As the saying goes 'love where you live' this is very true, you make the experience what you want it to be. So why not embrace and enjoy everything the area you live in has to offer? I wanted to create the artwork as a welcoming sign for visitors visiting Bideford.

"I've shared the images of the artwork on social media, and I've already received a great response from many people in the community. Local art is so important; It changes spaces, makes us smile and questions us. Art can awaken us to new ideas, perspectives and values. It helps provide a sense of acceptance, bringing people together regardless of their background.

"Art is so important; it encourages community and makes us aware of the world around us and how we influence and react to each other. There is no measure for how important art is in society. It brings us together, educates us about our past and helps us realise where we are today. It celebrates the diversity of existence and is a way to appreciate the beauty of life. I hope many more people get to enjoy it."

Graham Blight, Managing Director, Country Cottage Bakery, said:

"As a local company we were pleased to facilitate this project led by the Bideford Regeneration Group. Designed and installed by local tradesmen it has provoked inquisitive but positive reactions from our customers.  We hope that this might lead to further installations around our town."

Councillor Doug Bushby, Chair of Torridge District Council, said:

"The new mural looks fantastic in its new home and certainly encourages a sense of pride and community identity - just some of things that we are trying to achieve through the Bideford Regeneration Board.  If you haven't already seen it, I would strongly urge anyone visiting Mill Street to take a look.  We are lucky to live in an area with such a strong sense of community and we hope that initiatives such as this will go a small way to putting a smile on visitors faces and a sense of pride towards our town centre."