The Artist’s Window at Wellington Place

Developer and Asset Manager, MEPC has announced the launch of ‘The Artist’s Window’ at Wellington Place, with the installation of the first winning design.

The latest community initiative, working alongside Leeds Arts University, was set up to help support the creative talent in Leeds by showcasing art installations on the ground floor of 4 Wellington Place.

Four winning designs were chosen from over 30 entries, and the successful artists will have their pieces on display on a rotational basis, having been selected by a panel of judges.

The first installation to be unveiled, created by 2nd year Visual Communication student Molly Launchbury (pictured), is an interactive piece of artwork based on the owl – the symbol of Leeds – creating the illusion of having grown a pair of wings when standing in front of it.

Motivated by the city centre’s architectural buildings, the mural was driven by a desire to capture the beauty of Leeds’s diversity, with the Parkinson Building and Leeds Town Hall stencilled among the feathers.

Competition winning artist Molly said: “During a pandemic there is a movement towards positive affirmations, so I wanted my artwork to be a symbol of reflection as viewers think about what has ‘lifted’ them through lockdown and any previous hard times. I hope it continues to spread positivity throughout the community.

“I was honoured to hear I was one of the four winners and it’s a privilege to have my work displayed in a public space. MEPC has given opportunities to many students and aspiring artists and it’s refreshing to see such a big company supporting the local arts sector and providing a platform to showcase their work.

Dominique Simcox, head of customer experience at MEPC, added: “There was so much talent displayed throughout all of the competition entries, and it was great to see how the brief was creatively interpreted – it certainly didn’t make picking the final winning designs easy. We loved Molly’s positive take on the pandemic and the symbolism featured throughout.

“We hope that the installations bring a smile to the faces of the Wellington Place and wider Leeds community, all whilst showcasing talented local artists.”

‘The Artist’s Window’ can be found in the window of the latest building to be completed on the site - 4 Wellington Place.

Image courtesy: Bevan Cockerill