Wednesbury
Wednesbury Community Banner
The Wednesbury Community Banner, a special new textile banner made with artist Clare Thornton and a creative team of local residents, was unveiled on Saturday 15 September 2007 by the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Sidhu, in a special event at Wednesbury Clock Tower.
Commissioned by Multistory, artist Clare Thornton has been investigating Wednesbury and chatting with local people about their town, its landmarks, landscapes and histories.
The community banner has drawn on the talented arts and crafts people in the area including Lyndsey-Ann Parker, June Francis, Christine Felton, Bentley Noble and members of the award winning Wednesbury Library Jewellery Group. Local poet Brendan Hawthorne has created a special text which appears on the banner. Further inspiration for the banner has come from residents and creative individuals including Mike Farley, Fred Barnfield, Gill Skelern, Jayne Timmons and John Allen.
Artist Clare Thornton said: “The friendliness I have encountered has been amazing. Wednesburyians have a great sense of humour and I’ve had some laughs! This is a genuine and special place and I have been inspired by the talented and energetic people I’ve met through this project; people who really want to make a difference to their town. We have tried to reflect the power, energy and history of Wednesbury town and its people in this banner”.
The Boys Brigade Band performed at the event and there was a unique balloon release with a chance to win a £50 voucher. People attending the event had the opportunity to fill in a parcel tag attached to a balloon to say what they think is special about Wednesbury. The £50 voucher will be awarded to the person whose balloon travels the furthest distance (plus a voucher for the person who receives it and mails it back).
Following the unveiling, the banner will be exhibited at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery and shall also be displayed at the forthcoming Wednesbury 2000 Community Conference on 1 October, 2007.
This banner belongs to Wednesbury and you can borrow it for your local public event. Contact the Wednesbury Town Team on 0121 556 5265 for further information.
GALLERY
Click on an image to view a gallery of photographs showing the Wednesbury Community Banner produced in collaboration with local residents and it’s official unveiling.
Making the Wednesbury Community Banner.
Unveiling the Wednesbury Community Banner.
