Page 23 - link magazine

Swindon Wide 23

Bringing a bigger picture
back to life

The Golden Lion Bridge mural, the famous but deteriorating Swindon landmark, is
to be given a makeover in the Spring, thanks to a new project: Swindon Does Art.
Artist Ken White who painted it on a job creation programme in 1976 has been
commissioned to repaint the side of the house on Fleming Way. His depiction of the
bridge which crossed the canal in the town centre, where the Jubilee Clock now
stands, was one of the first in a series of murals which made Swindon well known
around the country in the 1970s and 80s.
Helen Miah, Swindon Council’s head of culture, who asked Ken to revisit his work
said the Golden Lion was very symbolic for Swindon. “I’ve wanted to see it come to
life again for a long time; it’s brilliant Ken is willing to work on it again. As a former
railway apprentice and a well known local artist, his evocative imagery tells a story
about the town’s history which is important to the regeneration of the town centre.”
Swindon Does Art aims to increase participation and involvement in arts activity
by everyone across the town. Find out more at www.swindondoesarts.co.uk
The Golden Lion Bridge was Ken’s
first mural. FREE theatre for
After his work appeared in a huge young people
Bayer advertising campaign in 1977,
right, he was taken on by Richard There is an allocation of free tickets
Branson to paint murals in his home on a first come first served basis at
and in Virgin Megastores around the all live performances at the Wyvern
world, a relationship that has lasted Theatre and the Arts Centre.
over 30 years. The scheme is open to under
He repainted the Golden Lion Bridge 25s, from young children with
in 1983 and has created over 100 major their parents to friends in their
murals worldwide. twenties.
Ken, now 65, continues to paint at From comedy nights to musicals,
his studio in Old Town and held a large drama to ballet, there are shows
exhibition at the Arts Centre in March. to suit all tastes including some
www.kenwhitemurals.co.uk Festival of Literature events.
Call the Wyvern Theatre on
Tell us who would you like to see 524481 - www.wyverntheatre.org.
featured in a 21st Century mural? uk/freestage or the Arts Centre
Make your suggestions at: on 614837 - www.swindon.gov.
www.swindonlink.com uk/artscentre

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21-52 April 09 Ext.indd 23 20/3/09 11:13:28