Behind the Artwork: Kaleidoscopic Heritage with Andy Welland
There’s more to delivering a mural than just putting paint on a wall. Every project brings its own considerations, from the relationship between the artwork and its surroundings to the practicalities of bringing a design to life on site.
Our recent project with artist Andy Welland at Bromley Old Town Hall brought these elements together, creating a contemporary artwork for the courtyard of a Grade II listed building. Titled Kaleidoscopic Heritage, the project also gave us an opportunity to celebrate the finished work with a launch event and a bespoke detail created especially for the occasion.
A contemporary artwork for a historic setting
Following its redevelopment by Castle Forge Development, Bromley Old Town Hall now accommodates flexible workspace and event facilities. The courtyard offered an opportunity to introduce a new artwork while respecting the character of the historic architecture.
Curated by Art Contact, the commission saw Andy Welland develop a design inspired by the building’s architectural details, including its leaded-glass windows. Bold geometry, pattern and colour give the courtyard a distinct visual identity while maintaining a connection to its surroundings.
Colour selection from the design process
Translating the design to the site
The courtyard presented its own challenges. Curved walls, changes in elevation and sloping ground meant the artwork needed to be considered in relation to the physical space, not simply as an image on a screen.
Our role was to help translate Andy’s design into the built environment, retaining its proportions and visual impact while responding to the conditions on site.
These are often the less visible aspects of mural production. The design may be resolved before installation begins, but understanding how it will work across a particular surface is an important part of delivering the finished piece.
Every project requires a different approach. We work closely with artists and the wider project team to balance the creative intent with the practical considerations of production and installation, without losing sight of the original idea.
Celebrating the finished artwork
The project was marked with a launch and celebration, bringing together the people involved to experience the completed artwork in its setting.
Andy also created a bespoke ribbon especially for the occasion, extending the visual language of the project beyond the mural itself. It was a thoughtful detail that connected the event to the artwork and added a creative touch to the celebration. The launch provided an opportunity to recognise the work behind the commission and mark its completion with the people who helped bring it to life.
Bespoke Event Ribbon Created by Andy Welland
Bromley Town Hall and friends of the Estate celebrate the official unveiling
Bringing the project together
Kaleidoscopic Heritage demonstrates how artwork can contribute to the identity of a place, connecting the history of a building with its contemporary use.
For us, projects like this involve more than the finished painted surface. They require an understanding of the artist’s vision, the character of the site and the practical considerations involved in delivering the work.
We were pleased to work with Andy Welland and Art Contact on this commission for Castle Forge Development, and to be part of the celebration marking its completion.
Project details
Artwork: Kaleidoscopic Heritage
Artist: Andy Welland
Art consultant: Art Contact
Client: Castle Forge Development
Production: The London Mural Company
Location: Bromley Old Town Hall
