New posters are a reel treat for local shoppers
THEY'RE back – by popular demand!
The first of a new set of posters to adorn Savoy Square has now been installed, much to the delight of shoppers and traders.
They are a sequel to the original set of artworks on a reel of film which was painted on a temporary hoarding masking the fire-damaged indoor market building.
Once the new market facade was put in place, the hoarding came down and the pictures went into storage.
The original pictures are due to make a re-appearance in the "rubber tunnel" where they will be protected from the elements, but Spen Valley Civic Society – which created the Savoy Square – was keen to see more permanent works of art on the square itself.
Society member Donal O'Driscoll said the idea was to create pictures reflecting the area's heritage, but keeping the film theme in recognition of the Square's previous incarnation as home to the town's cinema.
As one of Cleckheaton's most famous sons is children's author Roger Hargreaves, it seemed only right that the Mr Men should be the first.
And so, Saturday Night Fever, starring Mr Busy, Little Miss Chatterbox and Mr Tickle, was born.
It has been painted by Gomersal artist Stephen Barlow – who was also responsible for creating the film reel.
"We've given it an amusing twist with Mr Busy adopting the familiar pose of John Travolta on the dance floor," he said.
"I'm really pleased with how it's turned out and people seems to like it."
It has been sponsored by Cube Design and Display in Gomersal, which is also the company responsible for creating the 6ft posters from the artists' paintings.
Nick Hartley, from Cube Design, explained how they got involved.
"Donal contacted me and asked if we would like to sponsor a poster, so I said we'd provide the first one free of charge to get the scheme off the ground," he said.
"It's really brightened the area and is a great talking point. Once all seven are in place, it will look fantastic – and it advertises our business as well."
The second poster is being created by Liversedge artist Chris Bullock who specialises in film poster artwork.
"I saw an article about the posters in the Guardian and Herald and offered my services," he said.
"My picture focuses on Phelon and Moore and the Panther motorbikes they produced.
"As a young lad I worked in Siddall's, next to the P&M factory and I actually remember going into the workshop in 1966 as it closed down and seeing all the spare parts for the bikes on the shelves.
"My film is a war epic, Codename Panther – A Phelon and Moore production, starring Harry Rayner, Joah Carver Phelon and Richard Moore, who were the directors.
"Now all we're waiting for is a sponsor so I can add their name to the film credits. It will be nice to see it up there when it’s finished.”
Kirklees markets manager Bill Wigham was at the Savoy Square for the unveiling.
“It’s fantastic, it certainly brightens this elevation of the indoor market, as well as the centre of Cleckheaton,” he said.
“The original film reel was there to disguise what was going on behind the hoarding and it did a good job, but these new pictures are going to be the bee’s knees. Now we just need some more sponsors.”
Donal appealed for more sponsors – either businesses or individuals – to come forward to complete the scheme.
“We require six more and the cost for each film poster is 295 plus VAT,” he said.
“We also need more artists to get in touch to create the remaining five pictures.
“I chose the film poster format because not only does it connect with the Savoy Cinema, but it’s a great way of telling a story on a picture itself.”
Anyone interested in being a sponsor or an artist should contact Civic Society secretary Jennifer Alderson on 01274 870072 or e-mail filmposters@svcs.org.uk.
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Sunday 27 May 2012
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