Last month we had some tremendous support from the Truro businesses who hosted a group of artists’ work in prominent locations of their shop windows. You can maybe appreciate how precious your shop window is. It is about what you sell, who you are and entices those from the outside to look in and perhaps go inside and make a purchase.
The Truro Festival organised the #shopArtTrail which allowed visitors to explore Truro further and discover eleven artists’ work displayed in the city. A great way to be in the fresh air, follow the map and to learn something new. Visitors picked up the trail checklist from the festival marquee on Lemon Quay and went on their way to enjoy art and to explore Truro deeper.
At the top of Pydar Street the artist Laura Wray was able to display several pieces of art, complimenting the art gallery café of InnerTide on Pydar Street perfectly with its nooks and reclaimed shelves.
Pennyworths displayed Felicity Tattersall’s amazing Samuel Footes tea party scene. Felicity took time to write a piece on Mr. Samuel Foote, who was the theme of the Truro Festival and decorated the delightful window display on High Cross. I do believe the sweets were a slight distraction for her and she enjoyed the colours of the shop with glee! This is a great example where the shop and the art worked together to create a display.
Pennyworths Coffee House with Samuel Foote
(You may be wondering who Samuel Foote is, well for the next three-years the Truro Festival will focus on a forgotten Truronian from the 18th century. In his day, Samuel Foote was the first stand-up comedian and known as the funniest man in London. He was a Cornishman with a larger-than-life personality, who wowed audiences at his tea parties in the fashionable coffee houses of Covent Garden.)
Samuel Foote
Midtown Deli & Cafe on King’s Street, was host to Leonardo Santolamazza’s work. Leonardo has worked with Totally Truro the Business Improvement District on many previous projects, including BIG ART. The Italian born artist is passionate about his work and his style is distinctive.
Malletts Home Hardware situated on Victoria Square, hosted Beano cartoonist, Nick Brennan. Nick is a cartoonist and illustrator and is a great inspiration. During the festival he hosted a cartoon workshop, which the children really enjoyed.
Magpie & Fox held two vibrant pieces of art in their window from Tom Sutcliffe and Mat McIvor. The art suited the fashion boutique on River Street to the ‘T’.
Truro Fabrics hosted Sam Bradbury’s newly created puppets. Manager of Truro Fabrics commented that they noticed people looking into the widow and checking it on their maps. Sam’s work was most at home at Truro Fabrics and again was well suited to this creative business on Calenick Street.
Archie Browns had an amazing window display with the silhouette of Truro Cathedral, the city penned in Silver and the Truro Festival Guides clearly celebrating the arrival of the Truro Festival . Emeilia Wharfe is a freelance, illustrator and writer who displayed interesting and delicate pieces of work hung in Archie Brown’s window. Emeilia aslo created the enlightening Truro Festival display and information board about Samuel Foote. This specially commissioned installation is to reintroduce the extraordinary life of Foote to Truro and many of the festivals events are aimed at celebrating and educating audiences about the first ever stand up comedian!
Vertigo is a fun, vibrant bar and restaurant. One of the best places for a night out in Truro. It has funky lines and patterns as its décor and Charlotte Davis displayed one of her drawings within their window. Charlotte loves lines and precision and this piece of art hung in their window with ease.
Sam’s in the City held sketches from Rowena Siorvanes. The work, created specifically to be shown at Sam’s was beautifully hung and displayed in this smart and stylish eatery in the entrance. So whilst waiting to be seated, the arts location within the restaurant, allowed customers to view and enjoy the work. Rowena’s art of simple pen and ink, displayed people enjoyed eating seafood and Sam’s in the City sell’s similar types of dishes. Rowena is inspired by people in everyday life that she observes – all their characteristics with simple line drawing.
Finally talented artist, Keith Sparrow displayed his work in Waterstones, Boscawen Street with some manga style creativity! In fact, he took this to a new level by creating artwork live in the window. This similar concept was taken by Uneeka Life, just a few doors down, who had artists working in their window each day, pop up – during the festival. It is these collaborations that we like to celebrate!
Keith Sparrow manga workshop on Lemon Quay
Uneeka’s window on Boscawen Street is their pride and joy – the store relishes in being creative with their window and it was wonderful to have them on board with the Truro Festival.
Visit Truro decorated their window beautifully during the festival. Thank you to all those businesses who participated and joined in the #trurofestival in any way they could. Visitors were able to spot eleven artists’ work in the shop windows around Truro with ease.
Ian Kelly
Following on from the Truro Festival, there is an evening with actor and director Ian Kelly fresh from the West End production of the hit play ‘Mr Foote’s Other Leg‘. Ian will give a talk about his research into the life of the enigmatic Truro-born Samuel Foote.7.30pm on Thursday 26 May in the Lander Gallery Cafe. Tickets are £10.00 and available from www.crbo.co.uk
Enjoy Truro 