Mr Doodle’s artwork in Park Street ©MorganDavies
Excitement is growing in Ashford as a contemporary street art trail, curated by Accent & London Mural Company, takes shape in the town centre, with many blank walls and building surfaces being transformed into high quality mural paintings and bespoke integrated artwork.
The world renowned Mr Doodle, who lives in Ashford, has already created what is believed to be the world’s biggest doodle on the side of a multi storey car park, and artist Charley Peters has also already completed her “High Octane” themed wall which captures the energy of Ashford’s developing cultural profile and its rich commuter tradition.
Other artists like the celebrated Alex Chinneck, Andy Welland, Aspire and Curtis Hylton are just days away from starting to make their unique mark on the town centre.
Joining them are local artists and students who are also using the Kent town centre as their canvas. These include Ashford Snowdog artist Danielle Williamson, local designers Tiny Dog Creative and students from Ashford College.
UNFRAMED – Ashford’s inaugural Mural Festival launches on the 31 March, and runs through the Easter holidays with walking tours, a film programme at Picturehouse and art workshops.
Artists are currently bringing the multi-location trail to life in Ashford this week, with final pieces completed on the lead up to the launch event on 31 March.
The UNFRAMED launch event is free to attend, taking place at Coachworks between 4-10pm, including family friendly art workshops, live painting by ODISY, artist talks and DJs.
All of the artworks are in easy walking distance of each other and will be part of the UNFRAMED art trail for local residents and visitors to enjoy. Those taking part will be able to pick up a map from Coachworks, Low Key Taproom, Picturehouse or Made in Ashford and wander around the town centre immersing themselves in the street art and learning more about each piece. Alternatively the pieces can be viewed individually and by scanning the accompanying QR code, information about the artist and work will be available.
The artworks as part of UNFRAMED are expected to remain in situ for a short while after the festival ends, with many continuing to be on show longer term – creating a legacy for everyone to enjoy in the future.
Full list of artists and locations are below:
- Mr Doodle – Park Street
- Alex Chinneck – Vicarage Lane Car Park
- Andy Welland – Bank Street
- Curtis Hylton – Bank Street
- Charley Peters – St Johns Lane
- ODISY – Dover Place
- Will Redgrove – Castle Street
- Chris Page – Elwick Rd
- Hatch – Bank St
- Tiny Dog x TLMC – Dover Place
- Danielle Williamson – Vicarage Lane Car Park
- Ashford College Students – Station Approach
- Ashford College Students x Accent – Station Road
- Aspire – St Johns Lane