Love Melksham: A resident’s love letters to her town

You don’t normally expect to find inspiration and beauty round the back of the public toilets, but this week that is where my love for Melksham comes from. Standing mesmerised with a handful of people, we watch in awe as the back of the Bath Road toilet block is transformed into an incredible work of art.

A street artist called Mr Sce, in paint spattered clothes and gloves, is spraying bold streaks of colour on the wall. Within a few minutes, the outlines of two huge kingfishers have appeared out of a dark green background and the birds gradually come to life with each layer of lush orange and vibrant turquoise added expertly by the artist. Bursts of white spray instantly animate the image with splashing water, and a dynamic scene of aquatic wildlife takes shape on the wall. It is a privilege to watch him work.

Today’s painting is the culmination of a series of street art events as part of the Sham Jam Festival arranged by Melksham Town Council, with support from Melksham Area Board.

At the Canberra Youth Centre, Mr Sce inspired young people to create Melksham designs for a variety of spaces, and local street artist Elliot ran a workshop for young people to try out the art. Now Canberra has a bold graffiti-art ‘WELCOME’ in the entrance hall. Another workshop in the park intrigued skaters from the skatepark, who also joined in painting huge boards which are now displayed on the walkway from the Market Place to the campus. Hopefully these events are the first of many to encourage talent and creativity in Melksham.

Both Elliot and Mr Sce have also been involved in the artwork all along the walkway towards the railway station. The A350 underpass had previously been a place for offensive and unsightly graffiti until two years ago when Wiltshire Council opened it up as a legal wall, inviting artists to use the area for innovative expression, while following a respectful code of conduct. Now an entire gallery of ever changing, impressive colour accompanies the walk to the station, with a friendly ‘Welcome to Melksham’ in dynamic yellow across the top. Elliot used to walk to George Ward School along the underpass, so he loves being part of the bright re-animation of the space. He is so happy that street art has been included in the Festival, and he said, “This is definitely a positive view towards the culture and I’m happy to have worked this year with the Council. I look forward to more projects in collaboration with local artists and Melksham Town Council.”

Take a wander down to the underpass or along the river at Bath Road and discover another inspiring reason to Love Melksham.

By Miriam Zaccarelli