A VIIBRANT mural is creating a warm welcome at Stratford Foodbank’s new home.
Local artist Ali Glover, director of Make Murals and Workshops CIC and producer of the Paint Stratford Mural trail, has created the mural at the entrance of the foodbank on Masons Road. Painted to coincide with the official opening on Friday June 26, this colourful transformation was made possible with the support of a grant from Stratford Town Trust.
Recently relocated from The Fred Winter Centre to Masons Road Hub, the foodbank’s new home offered vastly improved operational space with a blank canvas at the entrance. Ali designed an artwork to soothe, guide, and welcome visitors.
Upon entry, people are enveloped by a playful, large-scale scene featuring hand-painted mugs and biscuits representing the welcoming cuppa offered to clients, with whimsical ribbons of warm, steam rising to act as a visual guide through the space. The composition flows to the main focal wall, where a pair of nurturing green hands, inspired by the Foodbank’s logo, cradles a heart-shaped abundance of fresh produce.
Below, the design anchors itself with an intricate, stylised map of Stratford designed to represent pathways and individual journeys, with the River Avon winding beneath the town’s historic bridges to symbolise the theme of bridging the gap within the community.
Ali said: “For me, this project was about visual placemaking – creating immediate warmth and comfort from the moment someone walks through the door. Seeing the project come to life has been an incredible experience. It was an absolute privilege to work there, meet the dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and learn more about the vital services they provide. I hope this mural signals respect and care to everyone who walks through the doors.”
Foodbank manager Asher Deakin added: “I was absolutely blown away when I saw the completed mural. Our mission at the food bank is not just about providing emergency food, but about offering hope, dignity, and a reassuring, safe environment for local people when they need us most. This artwork completely transforms our new foyer just in time for our launch, beautifully representing that supportive ethos and the caring nature of our community. The feedback has already been incredibly positive.”
