Farndon Road utility cabinet

This piece of public art is part of the Clean Up, Colour Up community improvement project. Led by Andrew Reeves of Market Harborough Wombles, the Clean Up, Colour Up crew have worked with the community to identify unloved and overlooked corners of the town in need of a serious glow up. Following a competition for Welland Park Academy students to submit their ideas for designs, three bold colourful artworks were chosen by the judging panel to be transferred onto cabinets in town. The artworks demonstrate a strong connection to our town, touching on heritage and environmental awareness and inject joyful bursts of colour to the town.

We thank Virgin Media, Harborough District Council, Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity and The Rotary Club for permissions and funding as well as the sponsorship from PaintWell and the artists who brought the students’ designs to life; JJ Barrs Art, Kayleigh Smith Creative and The Paint Pottle.

Quote from Emily:

“I started by not knowing what I should put on my design but I knew that I would like to do something to do with nature and it was summer then so it made me think of sunflowers. When I am doing art it makes me forget about everything else that is going on so then I can just concentrate on what I am drawing. I am proud that I managed to create some artwork that people will be able to look at when they walk past.”

Quote from Janey:

“My design was mostly inspired by the Grammar School as its focus, but I also wanted to add the paint acting as the wires inside our electric boxes and presenting connections around Market Harborough.”

“I enjoy the meaning behind art pieces and I am fascinated by analysing paintings and different techniques. I enjoy doing art in my free time as an escape and testing out these different techniques that I discover.”

“I never imagined the competition would lead to it being displayed but now it is, every time I see it, I gain more confidence with what I can do and love seeing it on display for everyone to enjoy!”