The Art of the Ale Trail
Recently I was approached by Stockton BID (Business Improvement District) to produce an illustrated 'Ale Trail' and map for them.
Recently I was approached by Stockton BID (Business Improvement District) to produce an illustrated 'Ale Trail' for them.
The Stockton Ale Trail highlights the impressive selection of real ale pubs that Stockton has to offer. Previous incarnations of the Ale Trail map had done the job, but were lacking in visual appeal. This time around my client wanted something with a little more flair, to tantalise prospective drinkers.
I was tasked with producing eleven original illustrations of the pubs around Stockton, from cheerful town centre pubs and vibrant little bars, to the beautiful micro pubs tucked away in the town’s Cultural Quarter. I also designed the foldout Ale Trail Map, along with a beautiful brand identity for the trail itself, including a striking logo, and a pattern featuring bottles and pints of ale. This brand will likely be expanded upon for future trails and guides in Stockton.
The illustrations represent Stockton as a true haven for those of us who enjoy a great pint of ale. I had the pleasure of visiting each of these pubs to take reference photographs for the illustrations. Each pub owner was also gifted with an illustrated print, to proudly display in their venue.
The Stockton Ale Trail has a total of eleven carefully selected pubs, (there are plenty more gems to discover about the town). Eleven may sound like rather a lot, but you don’t have to try them all in a single day! To pick up your copy of the Ale Trail Map, just pop into any of the eleven pubs on the trail: The Golden Smog, The Thomas Sheraton, The Storytellers, Lucifers, Musiclounge, The Georgian Theatre, Hope & Union, The Wasps Nest, Ivy House, The Sun Inn and The Royal Oak.
The leaflet folds out to show a large illustrated A3 map on the reverse.
Each pub got a framed print of their pub, above shows Storytellers, Thomas Sheraton, Ivy House and The Hope & Union with their print.
Press Release: Artist preserves theatre's heritage in official design
‘A STOCKTON artist, whose work is becoming increasingly present across Teesside, had been chosen to create a piece for a landmark theatre…'
‘A STOCKTON artist, whose work is becoming increasingly present across Teesside, had been chosen to create a piece for a landmark theatre.
Graphic design artist Abby Taylor was recently enlisted to create an illustration of The globe, the iconic entertainment venue on Stockton High Street which is currently being restored by Stockton Borough Council.
In its heyday, the theatre was the centre of a buzzing nightlife and entertainment and in its time hosted legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Bee Gees, Morecambe and Wise, T-Rex and The Beatles.
Miss Taylor’s illustration features the venue as it first opened in 1935 and she has worked closely with The Globe team to make sure the finished piece was as accurate as possible - even receiving a hard hat tour of the building during the ongoing renovation.
As the building has been through many visual changes changes, she had to piece together a complete image of the original venue by sifting through old photographs and architectural plans.
A highlight of the illustration is the swanky car parked outside, which would have belonged to the local butcher that set up shop on The Globe premises back in 1935, and was reportedly a big fan of flash cars.
She said “Illustrating this beautiful Grade II listed building was no small task. “The Globe is considered to be of national architectural importance, but I was determined to do it justice. “I was lucky enough to get a hard hat tour of the building during the ongoing renovation, which gave me some insight into what a breathtaking space it was, and will be again, once it reopens in November 2020”
In recent months, Miss Taylor was also commissioned to restore the mural of Saint George the Dragon Slayer in Stockton’s Green Dragon Yard - a piece that was first created by iconic artist Zac Newton before he passed away.
Miss Taylor’s design for The Globe theatre will represent the restoration of its heritage while proceeds from the sale of the artwork will go to preserving it.
Stockton Borough Council’s Globe project manager said “Working with Abby was an absolute pleasure. She is a talented professional, listens to the requirements of the client and brings her creativity to the process. Abby understands the value of the artwork and demonstrated originality as well as an in-depth knowledge of the sector. She worked incredibly hard for us, within a tight timeframe”
The illustration is available as an A3 art print which will be sold for £8 and an A6 postcard for £1, which can be purchased from Rediscover Stockton and Preston Park Museum.
Postcards can also be picked up at the Hampton by Hilton. All proceeds will go towards supporting The Globe community organisation, which will celebrate the building’s heritage into the future
Miss Taylor is also set to create a second illustration of The Globe as it looks once the restoration is complete.
More information about Miss Taylor’s illustration work can be found at iamabbytaylor.com.’
- Article by Paige McDermott for The Northern Echo
Press Release was also published in Stockton & Billingham Life.
f you're interested in commissioning some original artwork that creates the perfect first impression, why not get in touch?
Press Release: Stockton Zak Newton's legacy is restored by a new hand
‘AN ARTIST inspired by vintage travel posters has restored a piece of artwork situated at the heart of a town's cultural hub…’
‘AN ARTIST inspired by vintage travel posters has restored a piece of artwork situated at the heart of a town's cultural hub.
Graphic artist Abby Taylor, from Stockton, set to work on the mural of Saint George the Dragon Slayer, a painting which hangs in the town's Green Dragon Yard.
The mural was originally created for the Georgian courtyard by local artist Zak Newton who passed away in 2013 but left behind a legacy of commemorative murals across the town.
In recent years, however, Mr Newton's Saint George has fallen into disrepair.
"One of the many features of the Green Dragon Yard that I have always enjoyed is the mural of Saint George the Dragon Slayer," said Ms Taylor, who creates vintage-like posters of regional landmarks.
"Sadly, over the years this beautiful mural has fallen into disrepair. The frame was coming away from the wall and sections of the mural were flaking away altogether.
"The restoration was quite a challenge, as many areas of the mural had faded completely, but I had loads of fun playing 'forensic art analyst' and reconstructing the face of Saint George the Dragon Slayer and putting a bit of my soul into the restored mural."
Ms Taylor was commissioned and chosen by Stockton BID to be the mural's official restoration artist.
Ms Taylor added: "I was delighted when local initiative Stockton BID enlisted me as the official 'restoration artist' for the mural.
"Stockton BID is a partnership between local businesses and organisations with the ultimate aim to make a difference to the town centre, and the Green Dragon mural is a perfect example of a corner of Stockton that urgently needed some TLC.
"This was also an opportunity to better signpost the yard by including the text, Green Dragon Yard, which is a beautiful courtyard of repurposed historic warehouses and Georgian alleyways and houses the Green Dragon Studios, Green Dragon Pub and the newly renovated Georgian Theatre."
Jason Maxwell, Manager at Stockton BID, said: “We have worked with Abby on a project to update an old piece of art for our town centre.
She is super talented and very creative. She has done an amazing job and I am really proud of what she has produced for us.”
- Article by Paige McDermott for The Northern Echo
Press Releases were also published in Stockton & Darlington Times and Stockton & Billingham Life.
Stockton Borough Council Commission Official Illustration for The Globe
I'm delighted to announce that I will have played a small part in adding to The Globe’s legacy, by creating an official illustration of The Globe for Stockon Borough Council.
What do The Rolling Stones, The Bee Gees, Roy Orbison, Morecambe & Wise, T-Rex and The Beatles all have in common? Answer: they all performed at The Globe, Stockon's legendary entertainment venue! And while I probably won't be gracing the stage there anytime soon, I'm delighted to announce that I will have played a small part in adding to its legacy, by creating an official illustration of The Globe for Stockon Borough Council.
The Globe is a stunningly unique venue on Stockton-on-Tees High Street steeped in a rich history of entertainment. It is currently being brought back to life by Stockton Borough Council.
Illustrating this beautiful grade 2 listed building was no small task, as The Globe is considered to be of National architectural importance, but I was determined to do it justice. I was lucky enough to get a hard hat tour of the building during the ongoing renovation, which gave me some insight into what a breathtaking space it was, and will be again, once it reopens in 2020.
My illustration features the Globe as it looked when it first opened in 1935. As the building has been through many visual changes since then, I needed to piece together a complete image of the venue by sifting through a modest archive of old photographs and architectural plans.
A highlight of the illustration is the swanky car parked outside, which would have belonged to the local butcher that set up shop on The Globe premises back in 1935, and was reportedly a big fan of flash cars! (It's amazing what you can learn from speaking to those in the Teeside community who still have fond memories of The Globe and its many characters).
“Working with Abby on her recent Stockton Globe graphic illustration commission was an absolute pleasure. She is a talented professional, listens to the requirements of the client and brings her creativity to the process. Abby understands the value of the artwork and demonstrated originality as well as in-depth knowledge of the sector. She is committed to achieving the best outcome and worked incredibly hard for us, within a tight timeframe.”
The illustration is currently available as an A3 art print (£8) and A6 postcard (£1), which can be purchased from Rediscover Stockton and Preston Park Museum. Postcards can also be picked up at the Hampton by Hilton. Further merchandise is likely to be developed in the future, so keep your eyes peeled!
All proceeds from the merchandise are going back into The Globe too. The money will go towards supporting The Globe community organisation, which will celebrate the building’s heritage into the future.
The Globe is set for a Grand reopening in 2020, soon to be the jewel in the crown of the Town Centre. I'll be celebrating by creating a second illustration of The Globe as it looks after the renovation is complete, making for a wonderful pair of past/present illustrations.
f you're interested in commissioning some original artwork that creates the perfect first impression, why not get in touch?
Green Dragon Yard Mural Restoration
Over the years this beautiful mural has fallen into disrepair, and in recent years the original artist passed away. With the frame coming away from the wall and sections of the mural flaking away altogether. I was delighted when local initiative Stockton BID enlisted me as the official 'restoration artist' for the Mural.
The Green Dragon Yard is a beautiful courtyard of repurposed historic warehouses and Georgian alleyways in Stockton High Street. Considered the cultural quarter of Stockton, it houses the Green Dragon Studios, Green Dragon Pub and the newly renovated Georgian Theatre, see my illustration of The Georgian Theatre here.
One of the many features of the Green Dragon Yard that I have always enjoyed is the mural of Saint George the Dragon Slayer, by artist Zac Newton. Sadly, over the years this beautiful mural has fallen into disrepair, and in recent years the original artist passed away. The frame was coming away from the wall and sections of the mural were flaking away altogether.
The Original Mural
I was delighted when local initiative Stockton BID enlisted me as the official 'restoration artist' for the mural. Stockton BID is a partnership between local businesses and organisations with the ultimate aim to make a difference to the town centre, and the Green Dragon mural is a perfect example of a corner of Stockton that urgently needed some TLC!
The restoration was quite a challenge, as many areas of the mural had faded completely, but I had loads of fun playing 'forensic art analyst' and reconstructing the face of Saint George the Dragon Slayer and putting a bit of my soul into the restored mural. This was also an opportunity to better signpost the yard by including the text, Green Dragon Yard.
There was something strangely beautiful about the way the old mural had aged in places, and this gave me the idea of adding some new and interesting textures to the mural.
Working away on the restoration in my studio
Close-Up of the textured illustration
Jason Maxwell, manager at Stockton BID, had this to say about working with me on the project…
““We have worked with Abby on a project to update an old piece of art for our town centre. She is super talented and very creative. I would not hesitate to recommend her to others and cannot wait to work with her again….I absolutely love it, she has done an amazing job and I am really proud of what she has produced for us.””
Here's a short time lapse of the piece as it came together...
Trendsetters installing the new artwork
Do you know of any old murals that could do with being restored? Or perhaps there's a perfect spot in your town for a new mural to brighten up the place. If so, feel free to get in touch using the contact form.
For The Love of The North! A Very Northern Collaboration
I had been commissioned to produce an original illustration of the Spanish City, to be featured in an exclusive 2020 calendar. The calendar is the brainchild of 'For the Love of the North', who offer Gifts, Prints and Cards, all sourced directly from artists who live and work in the North East of England (myself included!).
Whitley Bay is one of several quaint seaside towns in the North East of England. A few months ago, I visited for the first time, to take some snaps of the 'Spanish City', a stunning architectural feature that has recently been restored to become the vibrant hub of activity it was always intended to be.
I had been commissioned to produce an original illustration of the Spanish City, to be featured in an exclusive 2020 calendar as well as lots of other exciting products. The calendar is the brainchild of 'For the Love of the North', who offer Gifts, Prints and Cards, all sourced directly from artists who live and work in the North East of England (myself included!).
My illustration is just one of twelve beautiful pieces, each by a different Northern artist, selected to represent each month of the year. I am delighted to have my illustration proudly showcased beside the very best of North East Creatives, and to share in this visual celebration of love for our wonderful region.
My illustration of the Spanish City is the final piece in the calendar, representing December. I decided to illustrate this famous and charming landmark during a light snowfall, giving it a pleasing Christmas card feel. I actually created two versions of the illustration, the second version shows the Spanish City on a beautiful summers day, but the snowy version seemed perfect for the December page of the calendar.
You can buy the calendar online for just £8 with free shipping within the UK. I would highly recommend giving For The Love of The North a visit next time you are in Whitley Bay, Corbridge or Newcastle. It's a fantastic place with all sorts of beautiful gifts and artwork to peruse.
I'm also super excited to announce that some exclusive merchandise featuring my Spanish City illustration will soon be available, so keep an eye out for these Spanish City items in the near future, which will be available exclusively at 'For The Love of The North'. What’s more, For The Love of The North have a shop in the Spanish City itself where you can buy these awesome items, or order them online.