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  NEWS

  Project Happy Mural Unveiled at Barons Quay

  A colourful artwork inspired by the people and landmarks of Northwich including the River Weaver, Lion Salt Works and the Anderton Boat Lift has been unveiled at Barons Quay as part of…

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A colourful artwork inspired by the people and landmarks of Northwich including the River Weaver, Lion Salt Works and the Anderton Boat Lift has been unveiled at Barons Quay as part of Project Happy, an initiative to bring positivity to the town following the Covid-19 crisis.

The giant 5m x 10m mural, situated opposite The Entertainer is the first of three artworks created for the town by North West artist Emma Evans. She was commissioned by Barons Quay and Cheshire West and Chester council to create a piece of art that reflected Northwich’s past, present and future.   

Emma’s brief was to bring colour, inspiration and hope to local residents, giving them something fun to engage with following the coronavirus outbreak.

The design also includes the work of seven year old budding artist Jude Cole,  from Rudheath Primary Academy, whose picture of his pet dog, Buddy, won the Project Happy art competition back in June.

As well as featuring the famous Northwich sites, the painting entitled ‘We’re in this Together’, was also inspired by the colours and symbols on the Northwich coat of arms, and Emma was keen to include the ancient three-masted Ship sailing along the water as a nod to the town’s history.

Large rainbows and sunbeams represent the dawn of a new area for the town, with the tree symbolising solid roots and new growth for Northwich.  The trunk pays tribute to local people with famous faces and the Northwich Heroes names written into the design.

The picture includes five umbrellas representing Happiness, Love, Bright Ideas, Hope and Wisdom, that are positioned at different heights. Passers by are invited to stand under the umbrella that best suits their mood and take pictures. 

Barons Quay Centre Manager, Lina Higuita said: “Project Happy started back in June as we looked for ways to bring the community together during a very difficult time. After months of planning it is amazing to see ‘We’re in this Together’ in the Centre so that people of all ages can enjoy it. I am looking forward to seeing Emma’s other artworks as they appear in the town over the coming months.”

Emma Evans said: “It has been an absolute joy to work on Project Happy for Northwich! From seeing art competition entries to being on site painting the mural I have been inspired by the positive outlook of local people who have really engaged with the campaign.  

“The artwork is a colourful and playful view of the world, my hope is that people will be inspired by it, stop and hold an umbrella or take a seat on one of the tree swings, forgetting their worries and stresses for a few minutes during this uncertain time.”

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Growth, said: “It’s wonderful to see this vibrant and uplifting artwork appearing in the town centre, especially when we are going through such challenging times brought about by COVID-19.

“As well as highlighting some of the great landmarks we have in Northwich, it also represents the bright future ahead of us as we continue to develop the town centre into a retail, leisure and cultural destination for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Barons Quay is asking people to share their images of the artwork for a chance to win shopping vouchers.  Each month the best picture will receive a £50 voucher for a Barons Quay store of their choice. For a chance to win images should be shared on on social media using #ProjectHappy and tagging in @BaronsQuay on Facebook or Instagram and @barons_quay on Twitter.