More artwork unveiled at Mumbles sea defence project

The concrete-mould design is based on work by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones, with images including pebbles, oyster boats and a lifeboat.

The panel complements one at Oyster Wharf that depicts oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid’s purses, starfish & pebbles.

The decorations on the wall have been praised by locals and on social media.

Writing on social media, Lesley Phillips said: “Looks great. Mumbles needed a face lift and it’s a huge improvement.”

While Val Whittington said: “Looks lovely and very appropriate!”

The Mumbles coastal protection scheme being delivered on behalf of the council by main contractor Knights Brown, is due to be largely complete in the second quarter of this year. It’s funded mainly by the Welsh Government.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#Art #CatrinJones #Mumbles #SeaDefences #SwanseaCouncil

Artists set to commemorate those affected by Covid in Swansea

The council has jointly appointed Catrin Jones and Angharad Pearce Jones and makes this announcement just before this Sunday’s UK-wide Covid Day of Reflection.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “The impact of Covid continues to live with us every day.

“We promised all those in Swansea affected by the pandemic – those who lost their lives, their families, our emergency services, social care workers, those who stepped up to support their neighbours and very many more – that we would honour and remember them.

“The memorial will be a permanent focal point of recognition for those that were affected for remembrance and reflection, for the unity that was inspired by our collective experience and hope for the future.

“Swansea’s Covid-19 memorial will be shaped by the voices of those it represents.

“Through community engagement led by the artists and supported by the council, we want to ensure that the location, design and meaning of this tribute reflect the experiences, resilience and memories of Swansea.”

Elliott King, cabinet member for culture and equalities, said: “It will be a challenging piece of work because, for many of us, the impact of the pandemic was felt at such a personal level.

“We’ll never forget those who died or their families. We’ll all have our own stories and memories of sadness, togetherness and hope, and our aspiration is that this will be reflected in the designs Catrin and Angharad bring forward as a unifying and poignant memorial.”

Catrin and Angharad were appointed following an open application process, inviting UK artists to participate. Both artists have created works of public art located across the UK, including in Swansea.

Catrin created the acclaimed sea-life murals on the new seawall in Mumbles. A 50m work in tubular steel created by Angharad and commissioned by Sustrans can be found on railway bridge sidings in Clydach near the Mond Nickel plant.

In their successful submission, the artists said any memorial should commemorate not just the bereaved, but also the health and social care staff, the frontline workers, the scientists who developed the vaccines, and everyone else whose combined efforts played some part in combatting the virus.

They’re aware of how Covid impacted – and continues to have an impact on – society through matters such as long Covid, and children and young people in education. It’s planned that their commission will involve community engagement to create an overarching narrative.

Catrin Jones said: “This is an important commission for both of us and we look forward to working together to deliver a meaningful and poignant piece of public art for Swansea.” 

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

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Artwork is an instant hit with prom visitors

Catrin Jones designed a 3D depiction of local marine ecology that, now installed as part of the Mumbles coastal protection scheme, has had widespread approval.

The Council say that when the work at Oyster Wharf was featured on its social media channels, it was seen by more than 100,000 people and praised by many.

The artwork, in hard-wearing concrete cast by contractors Knights Brown, reflects the area’s rich ecology, featuring imagery of oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid’s purses, starfish and pebbles.

It is planned that other examples of Catrin’s work will form other parts of the sea defences project.

Catrin Jones said: “It’s been a great pleasure to be able to contribute to the rich fabric of the area and to bring attention to the beauty of the ecosystem here in Swansea Bay.”

Catrin has been an artist for more than 40 years. Although her particular specialism is stained glass, she can use her design skills to work in many different media.

Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “I thank Catrin for her work in Mumbles. It’s fantastic that hundreds of people have already welcomed this new public art.”

Fellow cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: “Mumbles’ improved and strengthened sea wall will protect the community from rising sea levels brought about by climate change for many years to come.”

The sea defences project, being delivered on behalf of the council by main contractor Knights Brown, is due to be largely complete in the second quarter of this year. It’s funded mainly by the Welsh Government.

Lead image: Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens and artist Catrin Jones with her new work on Mumbles prom (Image: Swansea Council)

#Art #CatrinJones #CllrAndrewStevens #Mumbles #OysterWharf #SeaDefences #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Local artist brings life to new sea defence walls

Concrete-mould depictions of the area’s ecology have been unveiled as the Mumbles sea defence upgrade work continues.

The depictions are based on designs by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones.

Images include oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid’s purses, starfish & pebbles. 

The decorated wall has won praise online after the council shared the images on social media.

Ian Kennedy said; “So much nicer than a plain wall”, with Jayne Lamb adding: “Something to keep the kids (and me)amused! Love them”.

Helen Gwinnutt said: “So lovely . I love that you have involved a local art.”

Caroline Berry added: “How lovely. There is no reason why something functional can’t also be beautiful – look forward to viewing it myself. The mermaids purse is particularly lovely.”

Experts previously described how patterns on the sea-side of the wall would help boost marine life.

The upgraded and strengthened 1.2 km seawall aims to help protect the Mumbles area from flooding.   

Funding for new defences was secured from the Welsh Government.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#Art #CatrinJones #Mumbles #MumblesSeafront #OysterWharf #SeaDefences #SwanseaCouncil