Europe’s biggest piece of enamel artwork unveiled in Aylesbury

Archived press release

Date Published: 21/04/09

Laura's enamel artwork

Europe’s largest example of enamel artwork has added colour and brightness to the underpass in the centre of Aylesbury.

At 170 metres long and 4.8 metres tall, the design will be viewed by the thousands that each year pass through Great Western Street, alongside the bus station.

Local artist Laura Boswell was commissioned to create the huge rural landscape, which is a celebration of Aylesbury Vale’s natural environment and covers the walls on both sides of the street.

Costing £478,000, the project is part of the Aylesbury public transport hub improvements by Buckinghamshire County Council.

Laura worked with AJ Wells – the company responsible for printing all of London Transport’s enamel signage – to produce more than 200 enamel panels. The designs created by Laura were fired directly onto the panels.

“The work began with observational drawings taken from around the Vale,” explained Laura.

“From these I took field shapes and land forms and reassembled them to create two massive landscapes, rather like a patchwork quilt, to both conjure a feeling for the Vale and to suit Great Western Street. I designed the landscapes to move through the seasons along the length of the street and I hope people will enjoy seeing various parts of the Vale in their new context.”

Laura’s work was commissioned by Buckinghamshire County Council following a successful bid by Aylesbury Vale District Council for grant funding from Arts Council England and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).

The actual process undertaken is explained in detail on Laura’s website: www.lauraboswell.co.uk and can be accessed via the Public Arts – Aylesbury Transport Hub tab.

Jim Stevens, Head of Transport at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the artwork. In conjunction with the other works implemented as part of the Aylesbury Public Transport Hub, it has significantly improved the underpass. The design provides an eye-catching and brighter environment for all those passing through the underpass – or waiting for their bus.”

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at AVDC, said: “We are very pleased to see this project completed, it has been a long process but a rewarding one. Seeing the end result has made all the effort worthwhile. The artwork is fantastic and really brightens up this entrance into the town centre – providing an attractive gateway for pedestrians.”