What a wonderful summer to host the annual WOS! Thanks to all my friends, neighbours and students who have travelled to see my exhibition in the Warwickshire countryside!
The watercolour paintings have proved very popular with the theme of English Countryside Hedgerows, and associated gift cards both hand painted and printed.
The sun has streamed in as I’ve chatted to visitors, or sat and painted. It’s being an excellent use of time and situation.
Come and visit on our final weekend, there’s plenty to see!
It’s up and looks fantastic, sitting proudly outside on the High Street and Drury Lane by Hunters Estate Agents!
It’s given Solihull an area of looking, relaxing, a quiet space between each display. It’s really added value to the Town. Come and see for yourself, free to all.
The surrealist artist Emmy Bridgwater who resided in Solihull became renowned for her surrealist visual art, and her poetry.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Culture Solihull celebrate their resident’s achievements with the commissioning of artwork in the style of Surrealism! I’m delighted to have been chosen and my artwork will be on display in Solihull Town Centre this Spring, it then moves to Chelmsley Wood, and on to a further Borough exterior venue.
A Story about Emmy Bridgwater, her Birds, the Prancing Horse, and the Growth of Solihull. By Vicky ArtsAndCraftsV
There’s an informative short YouTube film about the growth of the town of Solihull by the Council’s Library Specialist: Tracey Williams. This formed part of my research as the town centre has grown so quickly and has been voted as one of the most desirable areas to live!
I wanted to incorporate historical sites of interest together with more recent development. Local news stories since Lockdown, key public art such as the Prancing Horse gifted for the benefit of the public by Alfred Bird’s son in memory of his father who set up Bird’s Custard and whose family lived in Tudor House, Blossomfield Road, Solihull.
The stunning sculpture stands proudly in Malvern Park, near the children’s play area. Here I represented the family with the iconic Custard colours! Emmy sits poised, looking back at her works, some of them Surrealist birds! The shadow of the horse depicting the departure of Emmy into another world, and the Bird family leaving Tudor House.
I wanted people to have a sense of pride of where they live, be able to spot landmarks that have meaning to them, and read parts of news stories that may have relevance to their lives. I hope you enjoy the public art Surreal Solihull display 2025!
ArtsAndCraftsV.com 