News

Students from Coombeshead Academy are contributing to a new mural planned for the town centre.

‘The Community Tree’ has been designed by local artist Joe Webster and is an ambitious project focusing on the local community’s relationship with nature.  Joe is well known for his ‘landscape-graffiti’ paintings  which explore the relationship between human activity and nature and has exhibited his work across the UK as well as internationally.   

The tree will take the form of a 16 metre high mural in Golden Lion Square and is inspired by a giant oak tree which was felled in 1922 to make way for the war memorial at the end of Queen Street. At the time, the loss of the tree caused a large public outcry, illustrating how important nature, natural spaces and iconic trees can be to a community.

The entire local community has been invited to contribute to this artwork by offering stories, photos and memories of their favourite trees within the town. Coombeshead students have also been encouraged to submit nature-inspired words for inclusion in the mural..  In addition, graphics students from the school have started typography work for the project which will see their stencils being used to create the mural.

The project has been co-developed by Joe Webster, Action on Climate in Teignbridge, Rotary, Newton Abbot, and Significant Seams.  It is being made possible by Leveling Up Funding and Teignbridge Council with supplemental support from a wide range of local groups and organisations.

The CREATE Creative Arts Academy at Coombeshead Academy is home to specialist studios and teachers offering learning in an exciting range of creative courses.  CREATE offers Art & Design, Photography, Textiles, 3D Design and Graphics providing  young people with a pathway to a successful future in diverse and rewarding arts careers.

Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:

"We're incredibly proud of our students for contributing their ideas and creativity to this unique project.  It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with the community while also showcasing the talent we nurture here at Coombeshead Academy."

Joe Webster said: 

“This project is about ‘placemaking’ – harnessing local people’s inspiration and creativity to improve the health, happiness, and well-being of where we live. Street-Art like this is wonderfully inclusive & accessible for everyone. We chose a particularly visible wall in disrepair, and with the community’s input are transforming it into a vibrant and colourful space focused on our relationship with nature.

It's been a pleasure to work with schools again and to give something back to my local community. We’re so grateful to all the people who have contributed the hundreds of words which will be woven into the foliage of the tree as a chorus of local voices.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

"I am delighted to hear that Coombeshead students are contributing to this mural - not only does it celebrate the deep connection between our town and nature, but it also highlights the collaborative spirit of our local schools and community.  I am excited to see the impact this art will have for years to come."