Stratford artist adds decorative colour to bollards in her hometown
BOLLARDS painted by a Stratford artist have added a decorative splash of colour to the streets and feature the town’s history and notable landmarks.
Artist, IIona Pike, has lived in Stratford since she was a child, grew up in the town and returned to live here after studying her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Fine Art at the University of the West of England in Bristol.
She is a visual artist specialising in painting inspired by the natural world and the vibrant beauty of nature which is a major influence on her work.
The designs for six bollards in the town centre focus on different aspects of Stratford and incorporate historical landmarks and images of green spaces.
One of the designs centres around Holy Trinity Church and includes features such as the bold, intricate yarn bombing and the twisted trunk of the conifer tree that is such an interesting feature of the churchyard. Also included is the memorial for Hamnet and Judith and the rowan trees that were planted in 2022.
The beautiful Welcombe Hills inspire another design.
The obelisk is iconic to the landscape and is a wonderful place to take in the view and enjoy a peaceful moment overlooking the town and elsewhere.
Another bollard focusses on the River Avon and features both Clopton Bridge and Tramway Bridge. It also includes the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the chain ferry and the wildflower meadow. Other aspects of the designs include the canal and lock, the area of Rother Street Market and the historic Shakespeare Memorial Fountain – also referred to as The American Fountain – and of course the town’s outstanding annual attractions of the Christmas lights and Mop Fair.
Other designs feature some of Stratford’s famous buildings, like; Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Cox’s Yard, Shakespeare’s schoolroom, Guildhall, The Almshouses and references to the Swan Theatre, Harvard House, the Mulberry tree at New Place and many other smaller details that residents can take a closer look at.
The street bollards have received an artistic make over and become public works of art in a scheme organised by the local councillor using their delegated budget which is available to all members of Warwickshire County Council to bring improvements to highways.
Cllr Tim Sinclair, ward member for Stratford North, has used some of his delegated budget funding to bring the art to six bollards in Meer Street in Stratford. Working closely with the Stratford Strategic Partnership – a group of organisations that aim to improve the town for the future. Cllr Sinclair commissioned IIona Pike for the project.
“Street furniture, and bollards in particular, are not the first thing you think about when someone mentions art or creativity. However, Stratford is such an artistic town, it’s good to try something a bit different.
“We are really happy with this project and seeing Ilona, an incredibly talented artist, turn her visions into pieces of street art that will be enjoyed for generations to come is great. Visitors will recognise some well-known landmarks, whilst residents should also be able to spot a lot of local references,” Cllr Sinclair said.
