Immersive street art to mark Shakespeare's birthday

Peter Barber's interpretation of Sonnet 130

A new urban art feature will appear in Stratford-upon-Avon to mark the 459th birthday of William Shakespeare.

Disused retail spaces on the high street will be revamped to create an immersive exhibition and bring to life some of the playwright's best-known sonnets.

The artworks were inspired by historic graffiti dating back to the 1500s, featuring visitors' initials inscribed into glass.

It will be unveiled on Friday.

This design by Zoe Power is based on Sonnet 12 When I do Count The Clock That Tells Time

Tom J Newell's installation tells the tale of Sonnet 63 with four layers depicting different forms of the bard

The mobile gallery experience, curated by Global Street Art in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, seeks to draw in tourists from across the country to visit the Warwickshire town.

It will feature the work of artists Church of Best Ever, Cee Illustrate, Ed Hicks, Tom J Newell, Zoe Power, and Pete Barber.

Tony Perks, deputy chief executive at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "We know that empty shops are an issue in town centres across the county. This project has the opportunity to deliver an exciting and vibrant series of art works, to tempt more people and visitors alike back into our town centres, and help local businesses flourish."

Sonnet 119 - Infidelity has been represented by artist Ed Hicks as a dramatic paper-layered landscape which portrays a betrayal within a relationship

The concepts, which will be featured next to Shakespeare's Birthplace at 22 Henley street in Stratford-upon-Avon, are:

1. Sonnet 65 - Mortality, by Church of Best Ever

2. Sonnet 18 - Beauty, by Cee Illustrate

3. Sonnet 119 - Infidelity, by Ed Hicks

4. Sonnet 63 - Jealousy, by Tom J Newell

5. Sonnet 12 - Time, by Zoe Power

6. Sonnet 130 - Love, by Pete Barber

Work is underway to set up the town centre immersive gallery

The displays will be unveiled to the public on 21 April