Work

Quadcity, Derby

I was commissioned by QUAD in Derby to create a large scale mural outside in the city centre, Market Place, on the hoardings of the contrustion site of the new QUAD building (set to open summer 2008). As well as commisioning a new piece of work QUAD hoped it would draw attention to their new building and stir public interest.

The commission requested that although I’d be creating the al the work, that the public should be able to contribute in some way. Together with QUAD I devised a questionnaire which was handed out in the street and sent to schools in the region. It featured a series of questions (what is your favourite colour, if Derby was a food what would it be and why...etc) and space for people to fill in a self-portrait. Four thousand of these were sent back to QUAD and the responses formed basis for the mural. I referenced various things from the questionnaires in the drawing, whilst interweaving in various Derby landmarks. Other drawings were added to these following incidents and conversations I experienced during the four days outside drawing. Lots of people came and spoke to me as I worked on the piece, suggesting ideas, landmarks and where I could get a good sandwich from.

Once the drawing was complete I photographed it and generated a simple colour guide. Members of the public were invited for a period of four days to come and colour in the piece. A wide range of people from around Derby attended, and a few people, who had filled in the questionnaire or had spoke to me the previous week, even recognised themselves in the mural.

Day one:

A little amount of doodling was done, in amongst the frequent rain showers. A lot of people stopped by to see what I was doing and have a chat. Distraction also came from the local newspaper sending a reporter and then photographer. BBC Radio Derby also sent a guy to interview me and record some spots to play through-out the week. We listened to the report on the radio later that afternoon - I sounded silly.

Day two:


There was a period of heavy rain, the fragile garden gazebo that had been errected to offer cover from any rain proved quite ineffectual. Fliers and brochures got wet and the poundland biscuits got soggy. Some doodling was done later on in the day once the sun made a late appearance.

Day three:

The sun shone, I got burnt and I nearly finished the long panel.

Day four:





A nice relaxing Saturday in Derby Market Place. The panels were all done and I had a great vegan lasagna for my packed lunch.

The colouring in began a week after the drawing had been completed

To see a bigger version of this image click here.

The mural will be on display in Derby’s Market Place, in the centre of the city until mid-September.