New street art mural celebrates Royal Tunbridge Wells’ heritage

A Tunbridge Wells street artist has taken inspiration from The Amelia’s collections to transform the underpass at Grosvenor Bridge off Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

A new temporary art installation created by local street artist Humor shines a light on the town’s hidden heritage. The artwork features a portrait of Robert Marnock the renowned Victorian landscape designer who created Grosvenor and Hilbert Park in 1889. The design also highlights the local area’s industrial past including High Brooms Brick and Tile Company and Baltic Saw Mills.

The project was conceived together with the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park to enhance the appearance of a pathway used by commuters, residents, and cyclists, creating an environment which is welcoming and safe.

Humor, also known as Hugh Whitaker, said: ‘The idea for this work developed following a discussion about the history of the local area, it’s great to be able bring these stories to life in a contemporary way. The nature of my work means that it probably won’t last forever, but for me the conversations it can spark are just as important.’

Hugh works full-time as a professional street artist, taking commissions as well as working with young people to teach them about art.

This is the second of three designs that have been commissioned by the Council’s Culture Team and funded by a local developer through a section 106 agreement. Over the summer Hugh will work with children and young people from the local area to complete the final design, watch this space!

Events to celebrate Robert Marnock are taking place throughout summer 2023 at Marnock sites nationally. The Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park are hosting a walk followed by refreshments on Thursday 6 July at 7pm – tickets are £10 and can be purchased here: http://www.fogh.org.uk/events