Artist Emma Garness hopes her ‘uplifting’ mural on the Iron Bridge in Bilton will become a beacon of positivity in the area.
The bridge, which is on the edge of Bilton and crosses over towards Claro Road, was previously covered with tags and offensive graffiti.
The Beverley-based artist was commissioned to paint the mural by the owner of the bridge, Network Rail, and she’s been putting the finishing touches to it today.
Emma asked local schools to contribute ideas, with children from Grove Road Community Primary School asking for a fox, and Woodfield Community Primary School an oak tree.
It also includes a cherry tree blossom and crocuses from the Stray.
She said:
“The mural includes elements from the community. I want it to be something they can be proud of. It was so dark and uninviting but the space has changed completely.”
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There have been problems with anti-social behaviour on the bridge but Emma said art has the power to change a space that has had negative connotations.
The bridge was previously covered with graffiti.
She said:
“This was a dark and grimy bridge but art can change the atmosphere of somewhere.”
Emma started working on the mural on Saturday and has been inundated with positive feedback from curious people crossing the bridge.
She added:
“People have said it’s so uplifting. To see how an overnight change can give people such positive vibrations. It can drop pebbles that ripple to people’s emotions.”
