TALENTED Nottingham artist Jess Bright is to have a giant piece of artwork celebrating city pioneers Florence and Jesse Boot displayed at The Island Quarter.
Jess came out top in a global competition to find the next artist to be showcased as part of The Nottingham Project’s Rebels and Pioneers campaign.
Artists were challenged to design a mural reflecting the pioneering nature of the Boot family, which will be displayed close to the site of Boots’ original headquarters on The Island Quarter.
The first of many projects set to involve Nottingham artists in bringing to life the 36-acre site, The Island Quarter launched the competition in partnership with The Nottingham Project and received design proposals from a vast array of artists.
Nottingham-born Jess’ design was unanimously agreed as the winner by the panel comprised of Emma Houston, great granddaughter to Jesse and Florence Boot, Deborah Ware, of The Island Quarter, Sophie Clapp, company archivist for Boots, and Reiss Mallet, artist liaison for The Nottingham Street Art Project.
Reiss said: “As a panel, we felt Jess’ design brought to life every aspect of the brief. She incorporated strong imagery of Jesse and Florence Boot, visualised their extensive work as both philanthropists and chemists, and linked the entire piece back to Nottingham through the imagery chosen.
“It was clear to all of us the effort Jess had put into her proposal, and this really showed in the final design she created. We can’t wait to see it in place on The Island Quarter as a nod to the site’s extensive history. We’d also like to pass our thanks on to everyone who entered the competition as we had some incredible submissions that made our decision difficult.”
The panel also chose four runners-up who will each receive £250 for their designs in appreciation of their work: Zena Kay, Kynobi, Lissie and Jordan.
People from Nottingham and beyond will recognise Jess’ previous work having created murals across the city, for projects further afield like the Lichfield Street Hub and an extensive range of clients as a freelance graphic designer.
Jess Bright said: “I’m thrilled to have my mural design selected by the panel, and for my work to be part of such an important development in Nottingham. I’m looking forward to getting started, and to be able to contribute more artwork in the city.”
Tom Huffsmith, part of the project delivery team at The Island Quarter, said: “This first installation marks the start of our ongoing commitment to championing street artists in Nottingham. We want The Island Quarter to be the home of many vibrant artworks and encourage creativity, which is why we’re eager to form lasting relationships with Nottingham’s very best creatives from street artists to musicians. We look forward to Jess’ design being brought to life in the coming weeks.”
To find out more about The Island Quarter please visit: theislandquarter.com.