Page 20 - link magazine

20
Swindon Wide
The Golden Lion
Bridge A remarkable archive of
An evocative scene
on the side of a house Swindon was once famous for its large number and variety of murals.
on Fleming Way cre- Dotted around the town were huge artworks on gable ends, depicting
ated by unemployed scenes from its history, its people, the achievements of business and
people on a job crea- even reference to classical art.
tion scheme in 1976. The murals received considerable press coverage and they became
a major tourist attraction during the late 1 970s and 1980s. Organised by
The bridge crossed
the canal in the town Thamesdown Community Arts officer Terry Court, they were a bright,
centre at the intersec- unusual expression of self-confidence in the town's future.
tion of Bridge Street When keen photographer Tony Leggett was relocated with his work
to Swindon in 1981. he was drawn to the murals and set about recording
and Canal Walk as
shown in the photo them for his own interest. It appears he was alone for when he
below. It was installed approached Swindon Council, they did not have a complete set of
images.
by the GWR so that
workers would not be "I was surprised that there was no archive of the murals," said Tony,
delayed by the swing who lives in Nine Elms. "They tell a fascinating story aboutthe town and
bridge it replaced. are an amazing piece of history; it's a great pity that so many of them just
don't exist any longer."
The Arkells Brewery mural on County Road is in good condition but
most of the murals have disappeared because private properties have
been sold, redeveloped or have had to be maintained.
Swindon Artscape manager Celia Yeoman said the council gets lots
of requests for information and images from students at schools and
colleges studying murals for GCSE, A' level and higher qualifications.
rv 1

Arkells
Brewery.
a celebra-
- tion of one
of the
PYXT1 town's
oldest
businesses
designed
and
painted by
Sarah
Faulkner in
1985
7 i .

d9e H

For that special occasion
at every day prices

Starters from £5.00
Dinner from £14.00
Desserts all £4.00

Excellent value that can be
enjoyed in beautiful surroundings

Tel: 01793 721701

Blunsdon, Swindon
Wiltshire SN26 7AS
Website: www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk ^-
%'EsroRiN'iopP _-
Email: [email protected] "