The Right Up Our Street Bentley Chair – one more thing…

The Bentley Library Chair was part of the Right Up Our Street (RUOS) Project, which is part of Arts Council, England’s Creative People and Places Fund. As part of the RUOS funding, every artist involved has to keep an artist’s diary, write progress reports and an evaluation report once the project is finished.  I’ve just submitted my final report and wanted to share a few of the comments we got at the launch of the Bentley Chair at Bentley Library.  They make me really proud to have been a part of this fantastic and successful project (I honestly didn’t bribe anyone for these comments!)…

“Never been so impressed in something in all of my life, and when you see your work among it… wow”

“It’s absolutely fantastic. Brings the community together – an absolute pleasure for all!”

“What a fabulous piece of community work. It got everyone talking and evoked a lot of memories. A thing to treasure, lots of memories for young and old.”

“I really think the chair is absolutely beautiful and I feel proud being part of it.”

“I think it’s amazing- I’m so pleased. My grandson’s drawing is on the front. It would look the business in my new kitchen!”

I was asked quite early on in the project what the point of the chair was (which I thought was a really good question) and at the time felt that creativity, teamwork, ownership, engagement, pride and self belief were some of the main reasons for doing the project.  I think that these comments show that this was achieved – well done everyone for taking that leap of faith and believing we could make this brilliant piece of art – who said a canvas had to be square!