Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre commissioned artist Sonia Villiers.
She recreated one of her most iconic paintings, dedicating it to Richard Pennington. Mr Pennington, who died in the Spring, bought the original painting 10 years ago. The image has been very popular in prints, cards, and as a scarf.
Sonia said that like Banksy, she comes from Bristol but this artwork happened during the day.
And she said her work in progress drew a lot of comments, including whether she was allowed to paint the bollard, and if the paint would wash off in the rain.
Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Sonia chose paint that works on metal, so the art will not wash off. The bollard had been given two coats of white primer before she started.
She said: “I was honoured to paint the inaugural bollard.”
The project has been supported by the town council. Work is now underway to research and paint the other three large bollards.
Sonia’s work is on display in various locations in Saffron Walden including the tourist information office, and around 30 other shops and cafes.
Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Sonia’s art sessions for adults in Hadstock are full but she still has some space for socially distanced art in her children’s sesssions.
See www.soniavilliers.co.uk/art-classes for details.
Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Artist Sonia Villiers with her finished art work on the bollard - Saffron Walden's alternatve to the fourth plinth! Picture: Celia Bartlett Photography (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here