A ceramic tree mural created as part of a community arts project will be unveiled this weekend in Harrogate.
Oatlands Community Centre was awarded funding from the Arts Council to run the project in June, marking the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Local ceramic artist Anna Whitehouse ran free workshops at the centre, teaching people about the history of brickworks in the Oatlands area and how to process the locally-dug clay.
They then created pieces of art themselves, putting together a ceramic tree mural which will go on display outside the community centre. Anna said:
“The tree design was chosen for its symbolism, with Oatlands Community Centre being rooted firmly at the heart of the community.”
The centre and its volunteers are the supportive framework; the roots, trunk and branches, but can only grow leaves and flourish through the engagement of the community and their sense of ownership.”
Oatlands Community Centre was previously a Methodist chapel, located near the top of Mount Street, just off Leeds Road. The street used to be the access road to the Harrogate Red Brick Company, which operated from 1860 to 1936.
The church itself was built using bricks from the works, which were taken from the heavy clay which lies in the ground across the area.
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Since the workshops were held in June, the ceramic pieces have been dried, fired in the kiln and assembled into a mural ready for the unveiling tomorrow between 10am and noon.
Anna will be on hand to talk about the project, and Oatlands Community Centre will be offering coffee and cake to visitors.
Funding was organised through Two Ridings Community Foundation. Its CEO Jan Garrill said:
“This was a great and very creative way to celebrate Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee. All credit to Oatlands for embracing both the spirit of the jubilee and the Let’s Create funding from Two Ridings.”
