STREET bollards in Stratford town centre are ready to reveal their new look.
The set of bollards have received an artistic makeover in a scheme organised by a local councillor and using cash from Warwickshire County Council to improve highways.
Coun Tim Sinclair, ward member for Stratford North, has used some of his councillor delegated budget funding to make six bollards in Meer Street public works of art.
Working closely with the Stratford Strategic Partnership – a group of organisations working together to improve the town for the future – Coun Sinclair commissioned talented local artist IIona Pike to deliver the project.
Ilona is a visual artist specialising in painting. She studied for her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Fine Art at the University of the West of England in Bristol. She has lived in Stratford since she was a child, grew up in the town and returned to live there after her studies.
As an artist, Ilona is inspired by the natural world and her passion for the vibrant beauty of nature is a major influence on her work.
She paints in a variety of mediums and loves experimenting with the processes of painting and embracing the results that this can create.
The designs for the six bollards focus on many different aspects of Stratford, incorporating both the historical landmarks and the green spaces that are enjoyed by many.
One of the designs centres around Holy Trinity Church and includes features such as the bold, intricate yarn bombing and the twisted trunk of the conifer tree that is an interesting feature of the churchyard. The memorial for Hamnet and Judith and the rowan trees that were planted in 2022 are also included in the design.
The Welcombe Hills inspire another design. The obelisk is iconic to the landscape and is a wonderful place to take in the view and enjoy a peaceful moment. There is a variety of trees, plants and wildlife, some of which have also been included in the design.
Another bollard design focuses upon the River Avon and features both the Clopton Bridge and Tramway Bridge. It also includes some features such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the chain ferry and the wildflower meadow. Other aspects of the designs include the canal and lock, the area of Rother Street market and the American Fountain, the Christmas lights and the Mop Fair.
There are many smaller details within the designs that residents may also spot when they take a closer look.
The bollards will be in situ this spring.
Coun Sinclair said: “Street furniture, and bollards in particular, are not the first thing you think about when someone mentions art or creativity. However, Stratford is such an artistic town, it’s good to try something a bit different.
“We are really excited about this project and seeing Ilona, an incredibly talented local artist, turn her visions into pieces of street art that will be enjoyed for generations to come is great. Visitors will recognise some well-known landmarks, whilst residents should also be able to spot a lot of local references. We’re very much looking forward to seeing these designs realised over the spring.”
