Last week we revealed a brand new mosaic in Broadfield to replace the previous one, the culmination of many months of work by the council to bring this beautiful piece of public art into reality.
It was a genuine pleasure to join the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Borough Council Cabinet members, ward councillors for Broadfield and local residents and community groups for to see the Mayor unveiling this visual feast.
I first had my attention drawn to this issue some months ago when I met a local Broadfield resident, Anne, who asked me what had happened to the original mosaic at the Barton, which had been sectioned off. For many residents, the mosaic that stood there for almost two decades had been a familiar and valued part of everyday life, enjoyed by generations of local people.
After making closer enquiries, I was told that the mosaic was in fact beyond repair due to severe water damage. This felt particularly sad as the original mosaic had been created in consultation with local residents and schools to design a piece of art that reflected Broadfield.
I was determined that we were going to salvage something from this original endeavour, so I authorised Shared Prosperity Funding to be used to commission mosaic specialist Sue Penrose to carefully design a new mosaic to reflect the spirit of Broadfield. This drew on themes from the original, such as hands representing the people who make up the community, and circular forms inspired by the trees and green spaces that are such a valued part of Broadfield and indeed all of our neighbourhoods here in Crawley.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I believe many will find it appealing. Personally, I am absolutely thrilled, I love the design, colours and it is well worth a visit down to the Barton in person to see its reflected parts, which add a whole new dimension.
Public art like this help to tell local stories, celebrate our communities, and create spaces that people feel proud of. I hope that this new mosaic will, in time, become just as familiar and well-loved as the one it replaces, and that it will continue to bring colour and character to Broadfield Barton, one of the larger parades in the Borough, with a great range of businesses and free parking in the council provided large car park.
I was delighted to do my bit in helping commission this new public art which I hope will enchant young and old and everyone in between for many years to come and help brighten people’s lives as they go about their business.
Cllr Michael Jones
Leader Crawley Borough Council