Blind college students in Hereford create graffiti art mural celebrating local athletes
The mural features two-time Paralympic gold medallist Dan Pembroke (Javelin), England Blind Football Captain Owen Bainbridge and Team GB Goalball player Antonia Bunyan
Visually impaired college students in Hereford have created a graffiti art mural celebrating local blind athletes.
The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) has unveiled a new art piece, created by its students in collaboration with professional street artists, Studio Jumble.
Funded by Hereford City Council and the Herefordshire Community Foundation, the project celebrates the achievements of blind and visually impaired athletes.
The idea originated after student Kai Codrington expressed an interest in trying graffiti art.
His enthusiasm inspired his classmates, and with the support of their art teacher and RNC's Fundraising Department, the project gained momentum.
Street art agency Blank Walls commissioned Andrew Everitt and Alex Thompson from Studio Jumble to lead the project.
The College's Estates team suggested brightening up an uninspiring bike store situated in a public space next to the College’s 4G pitch.
Art teacher Mel Davies said: “I was really pleased how the two artists engaged with our students. Their enthusiasm was infectious. Our students really enjoyed being creative with spray paint, a medium they hadn't used before and they were proud to be creating something that would be a legacy, long after they have left the College. Thanks to Andrew and Alex for their energy and passion in creating such a wonderful art installation celebrating blind sports.”
Student Kai was thrilled to see his idea become reality.
He said: “I loved it. I’ve done some graffiti art in the past, but on a much smaller sale and not with spray paints, so I wanted to have a go on a bigger canvas and find out what I could achieve. The professional artists explained what we were going to do really well. They made it accessible, guided us in the right direction, then gave us a free hand to experiment. My finished products were far better than I thought they would be! I surprised myself and found that I could achieve much more than I had expected.’
The mural features several RNC alumni who have excelled in their respective sports, including two-time Paralympic gold medallist Dan Pembroke (Javelin), England Blind Football Captain Owen Bainbridge and Team GB Goalball player Antonia Bunyan.
Mel hopes to invite the featured athletes to an official unveiling ceremony in the near future, providing an opportunity to celebrate the project with the budding new graffiti artists.