Sixty people collaborate on new abstract Sidmouth artwork

A new piece of abstract collaborative art entitled Our Town is now on display at Sidmouth Wallspace in the Ham East car park.

Artist Maureen Hawkridge led the 60-person collaboration, of whom the youngest was five years old and the oldest 85, to create a total of 234 individual artworks collaged together digitally.

Key contributors were the Sidmouth U3A Exploring Art Group, alongside other U3A members and the Sidmouth and District Guides.

The artwork reportedly represents Sidmouth's "quirky and decorative" architectural styles and its "iconic" seafront, inviting the viewer to "keep discovering the incredible detail and personal touches".

Maureen Hawkridge said: "I've really enjoyed working with so many people, both younger and older, who have put their heart and soul into this celebration of our town, and it's exciting to have it displayed where it will be seen and admired by residents and visitors alike."

Grace Essex, Sidmouth District Guides commissioner added: "The Sidmouth Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers with expert tuition found the experience intriguing and enjoyable, an opportunity to work with other members of the Sidmouth community to be creative and have fun."

Sidmouth School of Art Artistic Director Coco Hodgkinson said: "It's great to see this work on the billboard, the process took more than a year to complete and was a labour of love that embodies our vision to make Sidmouth the artwork!"

Sidmouth Wallspace, a physical public outdoor gallery, is a collaborative project between Sidmouth School of Art, Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub and David Shrigley, supported by Arts Council England and Sidmouth Town Council.