Jenniemyma was commissioned to create a mural depicting the history and community of Solihull town centre through the ages by Touchwood shopping centre the mural would be on the back and sides of the piano that was to be the resident street piano inside the shopping centre.
The intricate mural showcases the rich history and vibrant community of Solihull town centre, meticulously hand crafted over an impressive 45-hour period spanning 3 days as a live installation of Jenniemyma drawing, captivating onlookers at touchwood shopping centre.
Shoppers could see Jenniemyma work in progress across the days and see the mural develop each day, starting with pencil, then fine liners and then adding the colour with posca marker pens.
The piece features architecture from past and present, the local centre points of community including the St Alphages church, the Cenotaph, the horse statue from Tudor grange park as well as Land rover, the Manor house and Touchwood hall. Also featured were elements of the town including the by gone surrounding yellow fields, the forest of arden, the medieval market stalls, the textiles and mell square fountain, aswell as brick work from around the town, the tudor inspired stripes and the reference to the sonnets that can be seen around the shopping centre.
Finally artist Jenniemyma wanted to include the Solihull coat of arms aswell as a nod to the diversity of the town by adding in a deconstructed coat of arms in the shape of a mandala. Each symbol in the mandala repeat pattern is a part of the coat of arms referencing each family of significance who helped shaped the history of the town.
The colour scheme was muted victorian tones giving reference to the materials used around town as well as the gold that signifies the 'community' using the spaces and bringing each building to life.
" it was a really special commission close to my heart as i was born in Solihull and grew up there, went to art college there and had my first job there! It meant a lot to me to be able to be a part of this community piece for all to use and enjoy.
Solihull was and is all about community and i was thrilled to be asked to complete a live installation.
The street piano is a permanent resident now inside touchwood on poplar and is available to be played by the public" Artist Jenniemyma