Fossato Lounge, Kenilworth: Created by Tim Robottom and the Kenilworth Centre
The Kenilworth mural was created by an intergenerational group of Kenilworth Centre volunteers and young people. Inspired by the history of the town, its connection to the countryside and the importance of community, it shows an older bear enjoying a hot chocolate with a baby bear against the backdrop of Kenilworth Castle lit up by the glow of fireworks. The bears reflect the intergenerational aspect of the group, as well as the strong café culture of the town, while the Kenilworth ivy trailing from the top right hand of the mural nods to the Greenway and the town’s official status as a Bee-Friendly town. Centering the piece is the famous Kenilworth Castle, reflecting the history of the town and the castle’s importance as a focus for town events – including the annual firework display.
Wood Street Car Park, Southam: Created by Ali Glover and Southam residents
A group of local residents came together at Galanos House to design the Southam mural, located at the Wood Street Car Park.
After an in-depth discussion with the group about what Southam meant to them, Ali Glover, the artist, meticulously researched the town to produce a mural that reflected the town’s past, present, and future. The friendly bear cub, splashing in the Holy Well, reflects the community spirit of the town, as well as its strong historical roots. Against a celebratory backdrop evoking the annual fireworks display and the Big Fire of 1741, the silhouettes of Southam landmarks rise to emphasise Southam’s resilience, its capacity for renewal, and its spirit of celebration. High above, a WWII plane reminds viewers of Southam’s role as an RAF training ground, while below, figures of residents run across the Bridge, demonstrating the thread of family and community which runs through the town. The deliberately layered piece blends ancient history with modern community life, reflecting Southam’s inclusive, vibrant identity.
The Pageant Gardens, Warwick: Created by Ali Glover and children at the Packmores Community Centre
The design for Warwick mural was inspired by the children attending the Core Success after-school tutoring sessions at the Packmores Community Centre, and ably brought to life by Ali Glover.
Following a hands-on session in which the children designed their own versions of a mural on neon card, Ali brought together their ideas on what Warwick meant to them to form a design which felt kind, happy and above all, colourful. The friendly bear, reading on the swing, epitomises the playful feeling the children wished to capture, his book representing the wonderful learning and storytelling they do every day. A focus on nature was a priority for the group, and the rolling fields, colourful flowers, and flowing river, against the backdrop of the setting sun, give the piece a sense of calm and peace. Of course, it wouldn’t be Warwick without the castle seen in the background – and it can also be seen close by the mural’s location in the gardens!
Mayor’s Café, Bedworth: Created by Tim Robottom and the St. Michael’s Children’s Centre Cot Gossip Group
The central concept of the Bedworth mural was inspired both by its position in the Miners' Welfare Park, and by the little ones whose parents contributed ideas for the design: three bears having a teddy bear’s picnic in the park. There is no porridge for Goldilocks to steal here - instead the bears are tucking into honey and buns reminiscent of local bakeries and the town’s iconic Bun Day. They have clearly found a peaceful spot in a park bustling with activity, as bright awnings in the background call to mind the market and summer events. Bedworth’s history can be seen in the Almshouses basking in the sunshine, in the colliery wheel – and of course, in the sprinkling of poppies on the grass. The green setting calls to mind the Park’s place in the community as a space for families to come together, over food, playing football, or simply enjoying a beautiful spring day; and cements the image of Bedworth shared by the group: a place with a strong community, caring for each other, with respect for their past and hope for a bright future.
Coleshill Social Club: Created by Michelle Abrahall and Coleshill Residents
Situated on the side of the town centre Social Club, the Coleshill mural was conceived by a panel of local residents who have lived in the town for decades. Their starting point was the Social Club itself, its activities speaking to a community that has a wide range of interests and a wide range of opportunities, from bowling to dancing, and everything in between. Though the town has a long and rich past, the group wanted the mural to focus on today and the future, the bright colours showing the vibrancy of the town and the joyful events that take place on the Croft. A town of strong connections, reaching back to its time as a coaching town, it remains linked to the wider world, while retaining a strong sense of community and care for others. Each of the patches in the mural reference a different element of the town, with a fun challenge for viewers to work out the puzzle in each – from the elephant to the teapot (and of course, the hidden bear)!
