Vibrant, quirky and with a rich history is how residents who visited Cornwall Council's pop up shop in Bodmin over the summer told us they felt about their town and how they wanted others to see it.

Working with stakeholders to build on that feedback, the Council asked Bodmin student Sam Bellenger to capture the spirit of town which has now been translated into a colourful and distinctive mural which has been unveiled in Honey Street, on the end wall of Chapter ei8ht coffee shop.

Sam is a Bodmin resident and undergraduate student from Falmouth University, studying digital media and design at Bodmin Community College.

He has based the mural on a series of images which he produced and that have already been used throughout the town.  Sam's design are featured on folders that have been used at the British Tourism and Travel Show at the National Exhibition Centre, on leaflets in the Tourist Information Centre and information boards throughout the town. 

Next year there are plans for his designs to be on lamp post banners that will run through Dennison Road. Bodmin Town Council is planning to use the mural design on their Christmas cards this year.

The mural is a scene scape that brings together all of his images into one place.  These images will build to a more substantial look for Bodmin over time with merchandise being developed for distribution in the Tourist Information Centre.  

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy and planning Bob Egerton said: "The development of the brand and mural has come out of the work of the Bodmin Place Shaping group which looks at everything that is happening and then make sure we all work together to improve the economy for that place."

The Bodmin Place Shaping Group includes Cornwall Council members, Bodmin Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce and Better Bodmin, working in partnership with Bodmin Community College to help promote the town. 

Cornwall Councillor for Bodmin St Leonard Pat Rogerson said:  "I love the vibrant look that Sam has worked so hard to create.  I feel that it captures the history of Bodmin but is also really eye catching and modern."

Chanie Philp owner of Chapter Ei8ht Café said: "'I have been really excited to work with Sam and the College on this mural and I am so glad it's finally up!"

Leigh Frost, Cornwall Council member for Bodmin St Petroc and member of Bodmin Town Council said: "It captures what makes Bodmin special and there are already lots of positive comments from members of the public."

Mark Talbot course leader for the FdA Digital Media course at Bodmin Community College said:  "The College has always looked for projects that are meaningful in real life situations.  This project has been really exciting as it provides the opportunity for Sam to develop a brand for his home town."

Sam said:  "I have really enjoyed working on this project and love seeing my images throughout the town.  I am so pleased that people who, like me, live and work in Bodmin, seem to enjoy them."

 

Story posted 09 November 2018