Jelson Homes joins forces with the local community in Anstey

Local developer Jelson Homes has joined forces with the local community to develop an eye-catching art display that graces the wall of its development, Bradgate Vale in Anstey.

In a two-year consultation and production process lead artist, Lindsay Jelley, co-ordinator for the display, worked with a local school and businesses to develop the idea for the art and to put it in motion.

Teaming up with renowned Haiku Poet Paul Conneally, local fabricator Andrew Langley, artist Jenny Taylor and Latimer Primary School, the team took a voyage of discovery learning more about the history of Anstey and how this could be portrayed through the Japanese poetry and, ultimately, a completed art installation.

Lindsay Jelley comments on the experience: “Jelson Homes is starting to develop its own public art strategy and this example is just the beginning. Working with the communities where the developments are based is all about putting something back into the local area. Teaming up with the local school and businesses in and around Anstey to develop this art installation was fantastic.”

As you drive into the development, what would have been a plain brick wall is now covered with the brilliant metal work. At either end there are two bridges, which represent Packhorse Bridge and King William’s Bridge, which Anstey used to be nestled between. Placed amongst these are phrases and fragments of the children’s Haiku poetry based on their thoughts about the school grounds, which represents water flowing. As a piece of art it truly is eye-catching.

Lindsay continues: “As a group we’re extremely happy with the finished result. From Paul’s input with the poetry workshops, Andrew’s invaluable help with recommending what materials to use and the actual making of the pieces, the school children’s imagination and Jenny’s photographic input, it really has been a community affair.

“The position on the wall to catch the sunlight and give the effect of water rippling between the two bridges is exactly the magical effect I hoped to create.”

As part of the project, the group is also producing a DVD and brochure about how the ideas were formed and put into practise. This will be given to each purchaser at the development as a welcome gift.

For further details on Jelson Homes and their properties visit: jelson.co.uk