International artist brightens Chipping Norton with unique Street Art
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Published 7 Jul 2020 in Communities
Chipping Norton is one of the most picturesque towns in the UK and the Cotswolds scenery is why so many people visit the market town every year.
During the lockdown, we were approached by Chipping Norton Mayor-Elect, Georgia Mazower, about utilising currently vacant premises on the high street that we own to allow a local artist to paint a mural on the windows with the help of our property team.
The artist was international graphic artist Luke Embden.
His portfolio is very impressive. Luke, who grew up in Chipping Norton, was the first artist-in-residence in Covent Garden and has completed many projects for Carnaby Street, Abbey Road Studios, Coca Cola, Nike, MTV, Google and Hix Restaurants to name a few. So, it was fantastic for him to create a mural on our premises!
With the approval of the work from our property team, in a few short days, Luke produced a unique mural art reflecting life in the town and the surrounding area – all on the windows of our Chipping Norton building!
The Midcounties vacant Beale’s building where Luke created his Mural art
The lockdown and coming back home were the reason why he wanted to do the art, but seeing how everyone was affected by the lockdown he decided to help to brighten up the empty shop windows, portraying the support for the local community and the NHS.
"I thought whilst back in my hometown it’d be nice to create a mural somewhere in the town to bring a sense of joy and hope whilst we go through the ongoing pandemic.” mentioned Luke.
The piece captures some of the features of the town and the community who live there. With his unique style, he mixes street art with freeform typography and bold graphic lines, weaving together words, phrases and iconic imagery.
Chipping Norton Mayor-Elect, Georgia Mazower, said: “What a fantastic gift this is for the town – artists are really skilled at seeing these opportunities and making stuff happen. And hats off to Midcounties Co-op whose building it is, who couldn’t have been more supportive."
To find out more visit his website here or Instagram here.