Young artists mural unveiled at GKN in Telford

A three metre high mural designed by over 100 children will be unveiled at GKN on 9 July at 2.00pm.

Over the past year, three full-time artists have worked with young people from across the borough to deliver two projects for Chassis Systems, which is part of the GKN in Hadley.

The artists consulted the workforce at Chassis Systems to find out which designs they wanted to go on their mural. A range of ideas were put forward by employees from leisure pursuits such as boxing and fishing to beach scenes. All of these helped create the ten panelled mural.

Artists worked with pupils from the Blessed Robert Johnston School in Wellington and Old Park Primary in Malinslee to create six designs. They also worked with young people from the Connexions for Youth project to produce the other four panels.

In addition to the Connexions for Youth work, the young people were given the opportunity to have a training period and work experience through Chassis Systems. One young person successfully took up this offer. This group were also offered the opportunity to become paid support artists through the council in which another three young people took up.

Cllr Denis Allen, Cabinet Member for Community Services said: "Over the past year, an exciting project has developed between the Council and GKN Chassis Systems. This project has helped deliver a creative and lasting legacy that can be enjoyed by everyone."

Allan Wilson, General Manager at Chassis System Ltd "This has been a really enjoyable and exciting project, working with some superb young people. This has enhanced the whole working environment."

A separate mural called 'The Bridge' will also be unveiled on 9 July. This project has been painted by pupils from Wrockadine Wood Junior school who created a mural that was influenced by local wildlife to go over the canal.

The Council has just won another contract with this partnership to create another mural on a 280 feet wall running the length of the factory. Eight artists and 650 young people through the summer play scheme to complete this during two weeks of the summer holiday.

Chassis Systems Ltd (GKN) has funded all these projects and made a further significant donation to the Mission Everest Challenge.