Cal transforms Swan Pool Park changing rooms with artwork

Multi-media artist Cal, who lives in Norton, has transformed an unused and neglected boat house turned footballers’ changing rooms in the park off South Road with striking artwork.

The project was begun more than two years ago with support from Cat Eccles, councillor for Wollaston and Stourbridge Town.

It has taken a while to complete, as no official funding was available, but thanks to the generosity of people in the community funds were raised to contribute towards the cost of the paint.

The finished artwork in Swan Pool Park, and (inset) artist Cal who has devoted many hours to brightening up the old changing rooms (Image: Ellie Greenwood)

Cal said: “It has been an amazing project to work on. The public have been so supportive - it has made it so worthwhile.

“The artwork is a modern take on an early 20th century Cubist movement and influenced by its surroundings. Using light and dark green tones, all four sides have now been completed to create one overall piece of consistent artwork.”

Having put his hands in his own pockets to buy paint for the first phase of the project, Cal said a GoFundMe campaign, an anonymous donation and £100 from the John Porter Community Fund have helped to finish it off.

He said the project has brought much pleasure to many people and seems to have sparked a new love for the park and he added: “Hopefully now there will be a better understanding of how art in the community can change and impact peoples live in a positive way.”

For more information about Cal’s artwork visit calsartwork.com

The artist says he will continue to devote time to improving and maintaining the park to help keep the vandals away.

He has also been commissioned by the Friends of Wollescote Park to work on a public art project in Stevens Park, Wollescote, later this month.