Underpass art gallery unveiled

An exhibition of works by Hertford Artist Alan Davie and local schoolchildren has been unveiled in the pedestrian underpass linking St.Andrew Street with Aldi's new store in Gascoyne Way.

The project is part of an initiative to improve walking routes across Hertfordshire to encourage active travel in support of the county council's Local Transport Plan.

Organised by the town, district and county council, working with Hertford Arts Hub, the display features works painted by Alan Davie, who lived at Rush Green and died in 2014.  Davie is one of the United Kingdom's most internationally recognised talents with works in public collections across the world.

Also featured are works by children at the town's secondary schools - Richard Hale, Simon Balle and Sele.

Works contributed by local schools include those by Algelina Cakebread, Holly Davidge, Laura Butcher, Joe Brown, Toby Golding, Jemima Rowley, Naomi Jay, Daniel Ireland, Emilia Bryant, George Roberts, Rob Coates, Katie Egerton and William Reilly.

The subway under London Road is also set for improvement as part of the scheme.

The new Aldi store is scheduled to open on Thursday 16th July.

Cllr Bob Deering, the Mayor of Hertford, opened the subway and the Aldi store and said: "I was extremely pleased to be able to open the refreshed subway which not only improves the environment for pedestrians but showcases the great talent and community spirit of Hertford."

East Herts Council’s executive member for environmental sustainability, Graham McAndrew, said: "During lockdown many of us took the opportunity to walk more and we’ve seen improvements in air quality around the country. The opportunity to enjoy an art gallery on your way to the shops will encourage people to enjoy the benefits of walking and the reduced dependency on cars will benefit air quality across Hertford."

Sarah Mayson, Director and Gallery Manager of Hertford Arts Hub, said "We are pleased to support this project. It is a way of showcasing the work of renowned British artist Alan Davie, whose original artworks are on show in our main gallery."

The project has been funded by a DEFRA Air Quality Grant and contributions for Aldi.

This story was updated on 15/7/20 to include details about schools and children contributing to the project. The story was further updated on 17/7/20 to include quotations from Cllr.Deering, Graham McAndrew and Sarah Mayson.