Tile artwork back on display after eight years in storage

Rosie Smith said she is "so proud" to see her artwork being enjoyed again

An artist whose work was uprooted and packed away into storage for eight years said she feels "proud" to see it back on display again.

Ceramic artist Rosie Smith was commissioned by North Somerset Council in 1991 to capture idyllic scenes from various parks around Weston-super-Mare.

Now, her painted tiles have been reunited and are being showcased at Weston Town Council's new HQ in the old Mercury building.

Ms Smith said they serve as a sort of time capsule, providing "historic accounts of the architecture for the whole of Weston" from more than three decades ago.

The artwork depicts several "recognisable" parks and piers around the town

The 800 tiles were initially installed in the Winter Gardens conference centre for its official opening, but were taken down in 2016 after a change in ownership.

They have been preserved in storage at the Somerset Heritage Centre ever since.

“It means so much for the work to be out," said Ms Smith.

"It’s just fantastic that they’re not hidden away in boxes anymore. People can see them, and I can see them again."

The artwork captures the details of reference pictures taken 33 years ago

Ms Smith said the tiles emulate her "signature style", using pastel colours and soft brush strokes to create ethereal and calming scenes.

John Crockford-Howley, mayor of Weston-super-Mare, said he admires the sense of nostalgia they evoke.

“This is Weston laid back," he said.

"Relaxing in the park, playing cricket, the sun is shining, the tide is in.

"It’s not an idyllic view of Weston, but it’s a romantic view, it’s wonderfully calming.”

Grove Park, Ashcombe Park, and the Prince Consort Gardens are among the parks depicted

Following Mr Crockford-Howley's suggestion, the tiles were rescued from storage and installed in the corridors of the council chamber.

"They’re a great work of art, you can’t just abandon them," he said.

According to Ms Smith, the whole process of painting, firing and assembling took near a year to complete.

"Each tile had to be fired in the kiln five to six times to build the depth of colour and detail," Ms Smith said.

"But with ceramics you can bury that in the soil for centuries and it’ll still be the same.

“By looking at the tiles, it will encourage people to go and discover the parks and see what has changed since then."

Mr Crockford-Howley pitched the idea for the six artworks to be installed in the council chambers

Mr Crockford-Howley added: “It’s great fun to think that what you’re doing now, at some point in the future, will be appreciated. If England is anything, it’s about longevity.

“The artist is fortunate, the town council is fortunate, and the tiles are fortunate."