Community Tree mural unveiled in Newton Abbot

A NEW mural has received its official unveiling in Newton Abbot. The Community Tree is the work of landscape graffiti artist Joe Webster who collaborated with fellow artist Catherine West, residents, charities and schools.

A NEW mural has received its official unveiling in Newton Abbot.

The Community Tree is the work of landscape graffiti artist Joe Webster who collaborated with fellow artist Catherine West, residents, charities and schools to draw out people’s connections with nature.

The image, which covers the entire gable end of a building in Bank Street owned by landlord Philip Ord, depicts a tree that was felled in April 1922 to allow construction of the town’s war memorial.

It is made up of more than 600 words highlighting the community’s ‘memories and feelings towards trees and nature’ that were submitted in a series of face-to-face workshops and online consultations.

On Monday April 15, many of those associated with the project gathered to witness its official handover with Rotarian Jeremy Newcombe leading the proceedings.

His charity, together with Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge District Council and the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, had been the main sponsors of the £30,000 installation that required the wall to be re-rendered prior to painting.

He said: ‘The mural conveys a celebration of nature alongside grief for its destruction.

‘The image of the tree you see is strewn with graffiti symbolising our human presence and impact, both beautiful and ugly.

‘The graffiti in Joe’s painting is intended to represent our humanity, our language and creations, as well as our pollution and the excess in our lives.’

Describing the mural as ‘a wonderful addition to our town’, Mr Newcombe ended his speech by saying: ‘Joe, we are in awe of your talents and so appreciative of your work and creativity.’

Deputy Mayor Cllr Colin Parker echoed the sentiments and added: ‘It is my great honour to and pleasure to dedicate this and open this as The Community Tree.’

Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley said: ‘Thank you everyone who is involved, this is brilliant.’

Other recent artworks in the town include the Tunnels of Love installations at Penn Inn and the soon to be revealed All Aboard railway mural in Keyberry Road.