Results showcased of a burning ambition to brighten the town

* Some of the people who organised and worked on the project with the benches in the background.

A group of dedicated community artists have had a burning ambition to use their intricate new skill to brighten up the town.

And the results of their efforts over the past few months were showcased to an appreciative audience at the Town Hall this evening (Tuesday).  

Thanks to a funding contribution from the Commuted Sums scheme, Llangollen Town Council has partnered with The Little Learning Company to run a community art project to create imagery on a number of benches using pyrography, which is the art of burning a design into the surface of the wood using a specialist tool.  

With guidance from expert tutor, Dr Victoria Ward, a dozen members of the community were enlisted to carry out the fascinating process and, since January, have burnt a variety of iconic images into 12 benches which will be placed at prime locations across the town.  

Their beautiful work celebrates the local landscape, wildlife, landmarks, history and heritage and include depictions of St Collen's Church, the International Pavilion, a steam train at Llangollen Station, Plas Newydd, Pontysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen Wharf, the Chainbridge and Llangollen town bridge.

Others celebrate the library and Town Hall, music, theatre, dance, cinema and performance as well as reading and poetry. 

It is hoped that QR codes can be added to each bench so that people can map out a course to walk around town to admire them.

They were admired by an audience of people representing the various locations shown who were asked whether they would like to see the project extended and whether more benches are needed in the area and, if so, where they might be best placed. 

A Commuted Sum is a payment by developers to a local authority when it is not appropriate to provide the required outdoor open space during a development. 

The funds are held specifically for the enhancement of open spaces and play areas, and are often used for the same town or community council from where they came.

The Town Mayor, Cllr Aled Morris, said: "I think everyone who sees them is blown away by the way the benches have turned out - the artwork is absolutely outstanding - and I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in the project."   

Michelle Wright from the Little learning Company said: “The opportunity to be part of a community-based project, leaving a lasting legacy around the town and passing on a new heritage skill to members of the community was an opportunity not to be missed.”