The Black Horse celebrates Great British pub with facelift

2nd September 2009, 4:27pm

The Black Horse in Woburn has been given a radical new look by urban artists The Wonderland Collective.

Eight members of The Wonderland Collective, whose work is being showcased at The Bedford Street Gallery in Woburn until the 13th September, spent last weekend at the pub using its traditional garden setting as a blank canvas to create a series of large scale artworks around the walls, in celebration of the Great British pub.

Johann Bester, director of Bedford Street Gallery, explained how the project worked: "Each artist chose their own medium be it stencil, paint, spray paint or straight graffiti, and followed their interpretation of the theme to create a series of incredible contemporary artworks which really sum up where the Great British pub is at right now. 

"The results are awesome – 1960's pop art images sit next to bold monochrome statement pieces and there are flashes of vibrant colour throughout – with figures and abstract themes forming an amazing montage both individually and collectively.  This is a truly inspirational piece of work and is a once only opportunity right here in the heart of Woburn to see the creative output of some of the most exciting artists working in the country right now, so make sure you catch it soon."

In addition, a life-size sculpture of a horse – created and donated by Johann Bester, from Bedford Street Gallery - was graffiti-ed by the artists who left it adorned with a colourful array of brightly coloured polka dots. 

The horse will remain in The Black Horse's courtyard for the duration of the Woburn Oyster Festival – the only question remaining whether to paint it black like its namesake or leave it in its graffiti-ed state.  That will be up to the regulars of the pub and the residents of Woburn to decide. 

Now that the artwork has been created it will be used to promote British pubs and art.  Selected pieces of the work will be sold in auction after the campaign, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Research.

Andrew Coath, owner of The Black Horse, commented on the finished art piece: "Saturday was a really fantastic day.  It was an amazing experience to have such a talented young band of artists working in the pub and it's true to say they have completely transformed the garden.  The walls look excellent and the reaction has been terrific – all our guests whether young or old love the result which has really turned the Woburn social scene on its head. 

"A big thank you to the artists, whose work has been such an inspiration and which will also most importantly raise a lot of money for a very good cause.  Pop into The Black Horse, 1 Bedford Street, Woburn, MK17 9QB and come and see for yourself the amazing talent of The Wonderland Collective."