Mural on the side of Teddy Tinker's (Antiques, Collectables, Vintage Costume & Fancy Dress) in London Road, St Leonards. SUS-210604-085403001Mural on the side of Teddy Tinker's (Antiques, Collectables, Vintage Costume & Fancy Dress) in London Road, St Leonards. SUS-210604-085403001
Mural on the side of Teddy Tinker's (Antiques, Collectables, Vintage Costume & Fancy Dress) in London Road, St Leonards. SUS-210604-085403001

St Leonards artists unveil incredible mural as part of festival: in pictures

Two St Leonards artists have unveiled a mural as part of the town’s festival to encourage education and reading.

Every year, St Leonards celebrates a book through the festival A Town Explores A Book.

It was created and inspired by Gail Borrrow, who runs the theatre company Explore the Arch, in Charles Road.

This year, the festival is focusing on works by Edward Lear, particularly his Nonsense Verses, Botany and Alphabets. It is 150 years since he wrote The Owl and The Pussycat but the festival also explores all the other wonderful works and illustrations by him, according to Kate Rosie, the owner of Teddy Tinker’s, an antiques shop in London Road, where the new mural has been painted.

The mural on Teddy Tinker’s wall is the work of local artists Aaron Hosannah and his brother Lawrence Hosannah as part of the festival. Kate added: “In past years we have celebrated several different books for their connections to St. Leonards and Gail chooses these books for this reason and because of their important centenaries. Robinson Crusoe, Great Expectations and The Time Machine were among the most recent books.

“Currently, from 1st April to 18th April we are enjoying the works of Edward Lear. Particularly his Nonsense Verses, Botany and Alphabets.

“The ‘Town Explores A Book’ team work tirelessly to encourage everyone to join in with the celebrations. Schools, shops, businesses and the general public get involved. There are multitudes of activities to inspire everyone.

“Due to Covid-19 restrictions, The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, last year was put on line. Gail and her team transferred the festival into an amazing social media arts and activities celebration for children and adults alike.

“Edward Lear’s festival has now become a hive of activity both on social media and in parks, shops, windows and gardens around St. Leonards.

“‘A Town Explores A Book’ is supported by Arts Council England which enabled the mural to be painted and for Aaron and Victoria George to run creative workshops to encourage education and reading for the young people of the town.

“I personally love the mural and the positive feedback from everyone has been incredible.”

Teddy Tinker’s Antiques, Collectables, Vintage & Costumes re-opened on Monday (April 12) as lockdown restrictions were eased. For the first week, the shop will be open every day, Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

From April 19, its opening times will be closed Mondays, Tuesdays appointments only, Wednesdays to Fridays 10am to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm.

Appointments/enquiries 0751 626 8667 or Facebook Teddy Tinker’s.

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