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Blackbridge
: Eleanor Harper
Listen to the audio
Listen to letters from the archive about the problem of rabbits on the allotments
About the Art
Much of the area around Blackbridge, including Crypt School Playing field, was used as allotments to help the war effort during WWII and beyond. There was a train line running under the bridge out to Hempstead, which closed in 1969. Archive research uncovered letters between residents, local businesses, the rail company and the town clerk about the problem of rabbits on the allotments in the 40s and 50s.
Gloucestershire-based sign writer and designer Eleanor Harper has taken inspiration from the archive letters and students from Crypt School who took part in a creative workshop to develop ideas. The quote was taken directly from the letters, which can be heard in the audio recorded with local residents.
Cole Ave, GL1 5PJ
what three words ///evenly.agenda.hunt
Back entrance to Crypt School, next to the Blackbridge
About the Artist
Eleanor Harper is a Stroud-based Sign Writer & Designer.
"Over the past 7 years I have been developing a career in lettering design, specifically the craft of sign writing.I use traditional tools such as sable brushes, a mahl stick & enamel paint as well as newer materials & technologies. I work and exhibit primarily within the Stroud District community but certain commissions have taken me nationwide. While I have had the opportunity of collaborating with brands such as Just Eat, Uber, and BBC Introducing for their corporate events, my aspirations lie in undertaking projects that make a meaningful impact within this region.
With a genuine passion for lettering and a deep appreciation for how advertising and commercial design can serve as historical milestones that convey stories, I use murals and sign writing to rekindle people's connection to their local history. I have worked with Dean Forest Steam Railway, Brimscombe & Thrupp Parish Council, non-profit charity Access Bike, The National Railway Museum, York as well as important local businesses to foster a sense of belonging and create a rich historical legacy that will come to define our collective identity just as we now look to the ghost signs of the 19th & 20th century to define theirs."
We are very grateful for the support of these organisations to make GAWP WORD WALK possible:
*Gloucester City Council
*Podsmead Hub
*Calton Primary School
*The Crypt School
*Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
*The Venture Community Hub
*The Friendship Cafe
*Play Gloucestershire
*Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership
*King’s Square Management Team
*Gloucestershire Heritage Hub