Art in the Alleys

Project Alleycat is founded on the belief that art - creating and experiencing art - is an important tool in promoting social cohesion and appreciation of the physical environment. From the beginning we have wanted to create "art in the alleys", both permanent and temporary works by local(-ish) artists. We have been fortunate in that the local artistic community has more than met our hopes. During the so far short life of Alleycat we have inspired or commissioned no less than seven permanent works.

Lezli Lawrence has provided three works reflecting the history of alleys off Barton St in glass, ceramic and metal, and with assistance of her daughter Verity Lannie and metal worker Steve Campbell.

In Turner's Court, Araminta Fogden, well-known local artist and art teacher has painted a Jet Black Alley Cat, on the prowl.

Hughes Alley by Lezli Lawrence

Black Cat by Araminta Fogden

Warder's Alley houses our biggest work (to date) the Cheshire Cat. A fine example of community collaboration, this mosaic was created by pupils of Alderman Knight's school, to a design by Eastnor Pottery, and sponsored by Leonard Cheshire Disability. The mural depicts the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, with an excerpt from the book: "Well I've often seen a cat without a grin," thought Alice "but a grin without a cat! It's the most curious thing I ever saw in my life!"

The Cheshire Cat and The Owl & Pussycat - community mosaics, commissioned by Alleycat

In Gravel Walk, we have another example of community art “The Owl & Pussycat” mosaic by the Fairshares Craft Group, led by artist Jo Teague, with assistance from Adult Education, Gloucestershire.

The wall was recently repaired and repainted and the mural re-mounted, looking better than ever.

The Owl & Pussycat - after a repaint

This work "Through the Windows" was found in Tolsey Lane. A three panel mural by Maxine Williams, it covered some of the boarded up windows in Cross House, one of Tewkesbury's oldest buildings. The before and after pictures show how art can improve a decaying space. Although Alleycat had plans to extend the murals to replace all the boarded windows, Cross House was let to new tenants, the Cross House Tavern, who needed the windows! And made a good job of refurbishing the building. Although this resulted in the removal of "Through the Windows", we see it as a positive result: revitalising another alley! We are currently looking for a new site to display the mural.

Tolsey Lane, Before & After the first 3 panels are installed

The latest piece of Alley Art is different, to start with it is not in an alley. This is Czar a bronze car created by Diane Gorvin. Diane suggested sculpting the cat back at the very first Alleycat meeting, but it took until 2018 to actually commission it. One of the difficulties was finding a suitable location: we looked at several alleys but settled on the river back at Back of Avon.

Czar is modeled on Diane's own cat which she and Phil Bews adopted in Spain.

Czar, the original

Czar's twin, getting to know Riley, a local cat

 

Fletcher's Alleycats can be seen in Fletcher's Alley off Barton St. The stainless steel sculpture by Richard Thornton, and his student, Ilaria Edmans, depicted cats(inevitably) gazing at the moon.

Fletcher's Alleycats

Stocking Knitting by Maxine Williams (2021). The mural in Stephens Alley recalls the time when stocking making was a major trade in Tewkesbury, and the sole occupation in Stephens Alley. The painting depicts Stocking making as a family activity, whilst men generally operated the heavy knitting frame, women and children would be skilled spinners or responsible for finishing the hosiery.


Stocking Knitting Long View

Panels from Stocking Knitting mural. 
Thanks to ATS Euro for use of their wall.