Mural unveiled at St Werburghs historic dye works site - now a housing development

A mural has been unveiled at the site of a new housing development to reflect the history of a former dye works at the site - and to celebrate life in the local community.

The art project is displayed across hoardings at the 113-home Brooks Dye Works in St Werburgh’s. It was unveiled by site developer Galliard Homes, Acorn Property Group, artist Emma J Holloway and pupils of St Werburgh’s Primary School.

The project kicked-off with a workshop led by the artist, also known as Urban Butterfly, at the primary school when children were askd to visualise their thoughts on the history of the area through the new development. The children then used collage and print making to create the final work.

Brooks Dye Works was founded by Alfred Brooks in 1862, with the Brooks Dyers and Cleaners factory was based there until closure in 2007.

St Paul’s Carnival organisers have also been involved in the scheme. LaToyah McAllister-Jones, executive director of the carnival, said: “As a cultural heritage organisation, we wanted to support local children to explore how communities change and evolve but leave behind their legacy; the Brooks Dye Works site, with its glorious chimney, is a great example of legacy and heritage.”

Urban Butterfly said, “It was great fun to work with Year 3 students from St Werburgh’s Primary School on this project. They were super enthusiastic and enjoyed experimenting with mixed media in response to learning about the history of the Brooks Dye Works and some of the unique features of the new housing development.”

Helen Faulkner, headteacher at St Werburgh’s Primary School, said: “The students absolutely loved the workshop. It was fantastic for them to visit the site and see the work they had created at such a large scale; it was a really proud moment. We are pleased they could be involved in an exciting art project in their local area.”

And Robin Squire, regional managing director at Acorn Property Group’s Bristol office commented, “The redevelopment of Brooks Dye Works expands the public area, with improved pedestrian access to the park by reopening routes which had been lost since the 1950s.

“Throughout the development process we have always tried to keep the environment on site as inviting as the new homes we are delivering. So, with the help of St Paul’s Carnival, Urban Butterfly and the children of St Werburgh’s Primary School, it felt like a perfect opportunity to deliver a piece of community art.”