The 18 murals decorating Ashford town centre for Unframed festival
Published: 15:23, 05 April 2023
Updated: 16:20, 05 April 2023
A town centre art trail is underway as the final murals decorating drab walls are now complete.
The artworks have been scattered across Ashford as part of Unframed, a festival designed to brighten up the area this spring.
There are 18 pieces in total which have been created by local and national artists.
Mr Doodle's 'Concrete Cluster' on the side of Edinburgh Road car park in Park Street was the first to appear.
Other artists who have used Ashford as their canvas include sculptor Alex Chinneck who previously turned part of the former Kent Wool Growers site into a zip, and Snowdog artist Danielle Williamson.
Students from Ashford College have made their mark on plant pots at the train station and have used a series of photographic light drawings to decorate Station Approach.
William Redgrove's creation of colourful flowers and birds has transformed the side of the Pilgrims Hospice charity shop in Castle Street, which he says represents the "charity's vision of everlasting love, gratitude, respect, memory and care".
In North Street, a bonus mural of a hand by Will Vibes has transformed wooden boards covering up the former Merchant Chandler building.
A portrait of Mr Doodle by graffiti artist Voyder has appeared near two other murals in St Johns Lane.
The artwork named “Sam”, depicts the Ashford-based artist whose real name is Sam Cox in his trademark suit, preparing his ink, with iconic buildings in the background such as Charter House, Willesborough Windmill, and St Mildred’s Church where he got married.
It took just three days to finish and it is understood that Mr Doodle was "surprised, honoured and delighted" with the final piece.
Another piece titled "The one round the back of the Coachworks" showing a bright blue portrait of a woman has been designed by ODISY who has used his complex styles to represent the venue's fusion of work and play.
An impressive mural of a stag standing in a field of orange and yellow by Curtis Hylton features on the side of Bucksford Law in Bank Street.
Originally a sixteen-piece trail, as the project developed, more artists came forward bringing the full total to 18.
Chris Dixon, arts and cultural industries manager at Ashford Borough Council, said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome so many brilliant artists to Ashford as part of our first Mural Festival.
"Murals are a great way to showcase creative talent as well as redevelop blank walls in town centres, making them more attractive and safer spaces to be in.
"I hope that residents and visitors pick up their maps and take part in the trail this April and that people enjoy the works for a long time to come.”
The festival will run through the Easter holidays until April 16, with bosses putting on walking tours, a film programme at the Picturehouse at Elwick Place, and family-friendly art workshops.
All murals are within walking distance of each other and maps can be picked up from Coachworks, Low Key Tap Room in Bank Street, Picturehouse or The Craftship in Park Mall.
The pieces are expected to remain in place for a short while after the festival ends, with many continuing to be on show longer term.
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Liane Castle