New work of art celebrates 200 years of local trading in Bath Road

Artwork celebrating 200 years of trading on Cheltenham’s Bath Road has been unveiled to the public. Artist and printmaker Sue Brown, from Cheltenham, has had her three painted vitreous enamel panels installed on the street-facing wall of the Exmouth Arms pub in Bath Road.

Supporters of the project gather at the street-facing wall of the Exmouth Arms pub in Bath Road, awaiting the unveiling of the work / Photo: Joseph Meredith (Image: Archant)

The work was funded by the Cheltenham Borough Council Public Art Panel and commissioned by the Cheltenham Connect ‘Connect Streets’ working group, in partnership with the Bath Road Traders’ Association (BARTA), the St Philip and St James Area Residents Association (SPJARA) and other local stakeholders.

Martin Horwood unveils the piece of art / photo: Joseph Meredith (Image: Archant)

Sue Brown gave a short speech after the unveiling / Photo: Joseph Meredith (Image: Archant)

The unveiling took place Tuesday, March 18, and brought together the many people who contributed to the research and creative process of the project.

The plaque beside the artwork / Photo: Joseph Meredith (Image: Archant)

The artwork is the latest stage of a more than £20,000 investment secured by Cheltenham Connect to improve the residential and trading community of south Cheltenham.

Chair of Cheltenham Connect, Wendy Ellyatt, said: “Independent traders have a long and proud history in this part of Cheltenham and we are always striving to ensure this continues by attracting more visitors.

“This wonderful work of art celebrates this unique history and it is testament to the hard work and commitment of very many people that we will soon have it on display – it looks beautiful and we hope will be a great new addition to Bath Road”.

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