As part of its 90th anniversary celebrations, Feathers Association announces an exciting partnership with Chiltern Railways. This collaboration marks a charity-first for Feathers, with Chiltern Railways providing funding from their Community Investment Fund to support the development of a 90th Anniversary Bridge Mural Project, to be installed on Rossmore Road Bridge Marylebone. The bridge which is owned by Network Rail will be seen by tens of thousands of commuters each day, and will be unveiled on 30th October.
Both organisations share deep roots in the Marylebone area, where Feathers has been based for over 50 years, after its founding in 1934 in the heart of Marylebone, and its first project site still stands adjacent to Chiltern Railways network.
Chiltern Railways, eager to support the charity’s milestone year whilst also celebrating the 125th anniversary of Marylebone Station, sees this as an opportunity to give back to the local community they have both served for decades.
The 22m long mural has been commissioned from Create Not Destroy and world-renowned DJ, graffiti Artist and Designer Bunny Bread, a former attendee of Feathers between the 1970s – 1980s.’ Having spent his formative years at the club, meeting friends, playing football, and developing his creative talents, he was the obvious choice of artist.
His mural design will reflect his deep belief in the value of youth clubs like Feathers, which provide safe spaces for personal growth, creativity, and friendship.
“I have begun the creation process and this mural for Feathers, where I spent so many important years, feels deeply personal,” said Bunny Bread. “Youth and clubs like Feathers have always played a vital role in our community, and I hope this project helps bring people closer together and instil pride in the area.”
The 90th Anniversary Bridge Mural Project is more than just an installation; it symbolises the important role that community spaces play in nurturing young people. It also highlights the urgent need to support such spaces at a time when many youth and community centres have been forced to close.
Of the partnership and planned installation, Chiltern Railways spokesperson said, ”We are delighted to be supporting the Feathers Association to celebrate their 90th anniversary. Our Community Investment Fund aims to deliver social value in local communities, and there is no better example than the fantastic work undertaken by the Feathers Association.
This project has the added benefit of improving the look and feel of Rossmore Road Bridge for local residents, who have campaigned tirelessly over the years to protect the unique character of Marylebone Station.”
Neil Gaskin, programme director for Network Rail Central route, said, “The railway is at the heart of this community so what better way to help Feathers Association celebrate their 90th anniversary than by allowing our railway bridge to be transformed into an impressive piece of art.
Not only does it provide a new focal point for the Marylebone area, but we also hope the design will inspire people to take pride in the area and continue to do so for years to come”.
David Jones, CEO Feathers Association added, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Chiltern Railway on this landmark project as part of our 90th anniversary and Chiltern Railways 125th year at Marylebone Station. This collaboration will quite literally act as a gateway to highlighting the importance of spaces like ours in supporting young people, alongside the expansion of Feathers across the UK with several locations in Scotland and Wales, as well as in London.
Bunny Bread’s instillation will serve as a powerful tribute to the impact we’ve had on generations of local youth, and we hope it inspires pride and connection within the community. We are incredibly grateful to Chiltern Railways for their generous support in making this vision a reality.”
The installation on Rossmore Road Bridge in Marylebone will be unveiled on Wednesday 30th October 2024 at 10am.
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