We transformed an underused outdoor area at Biddulph Library into something beautiful…
What a joy it was to work on this commission for our friends at Outside Arts! We were asked to turn an unloved concrete space at Biddulph Library into a community garden for library users to enjoy.
Community consultation
We began the process by asking local people how they would like to see the space transformed, using our ‘fortune telling booth’ to discover more about library users’ wants and needs. Did they see the space as a potential community garden, for growing plants and vegetables? As a place for children to play, explore and climb? Or as a space for conversation and events?
Wild Rumpus community
With a vision in mind, we were then joined by a team of brilliant volunteers who happily rolled up their sleeves and got their hands in the mud! Two days of digging, planting and painting later, the space was completely transformed…
Artist commission
The brilliant Ellastrated was then commissioned by Outside Arts to create a bold, bright mural. She painted a 16 foot, free flowing design which is inspired by nature, cups of tea and tarot cards, reflecting the ideas which fed into the garden design itself and local people’s comments gathered during the consultation.
Official launch
On the 8th August we gathered with local people for the grand library opening. The ribbon was cut by the Mayor and Mayoress of Biddulph, and the Staffordshire Poet Laureate, Dawn Jutton, read out a poem created especially to mark the opening of the garden.
… and what a transformation!
Bringing together community, art and nature this project spoke to our hearts; and Biddulph Library now have a bright and welcoming space for library users, young and old, to relax, play, learn and grow.
If you are interested in partnering with us, in transforming an outdoor space, or working on a community consultations, we would love to hear from you! Use the form below to contact us.