Mural revitalises gateway to Bristol’s Old City
A new mural designed by Bristol artist Andy Council, celebrating the unique history around the medieval gateway to the Old City, has been revealed this week.
In this case, the funding came from the redevelopment of the Magistrates Courts opposite the church - now the Courtroom student accommodation – with Section 106 money having previously funded new lighting The artwork, which features on the two to the church tower and other enhancements pedestrian side arches under the Church of St to the gateway into the Old City. John on the Wall, Broad Street, depicts four beasts made up of architectural landmarks Elise Hurcombe, Senior Arts Officer in Bristol found in the Old City area, as well as some City Council’s Culture team, said: “The Old of the architectural features found inside St City area of Bristol is changing as we focus on John’s crypt, and is part of a wider giving more space to the businesses, visitors programme of artist commissions connected and shoppers in this historic area and we to the pedestrianisation of the Old City. want to ensure it is attractive to citizens and visitors as the recovery from the economic During the coming months, several temporary effects of the pandemic continues. installations from local artists, celebrating the area’s heritage, will be installed in further “It is also important to reflect the history of additions to the project. the area and we have worked closely with the Churches Conservation Trust to try and The mural was commissioned by Bristol City ensure we celebrate this heritage. Council, in partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust who manage the church, “As part of his research, the artist Andy has with the aim of refreshing the appearance spoken to volunteers who help to open St as well as celebrating the unique history of John on the Wall to visitors about the history the area. An existing mural painted by artists of the site. Their knowledge has been Paris and Feek in 2008 was no longer in good invaluable and their suggestions have helped condition. to shape the design.’’ Costing just under £6,000, the new piece is being paid for via Section 106 funding – in which contributions are sought from developers towards the costs of providing community and social infrastructure arising from a new development. 8
Part of the artwork will reference the route of ‘St John’s Conduit’, marking a water supply that once served the old walled city of Bristol, beginning on Brandon Hill and running through pipes down Park Street, emerging at St John on the Wall church on Quay Street.
