Saddleworth artist is helping Oldham Town Centre Partnership with Movie Trail to celebrate new ODEON cinema opening later this year
One of Claire’s window installations in Oldham town centre
Reporter: Stuart Littleford
A saddleworth artist is helping to promote the opening of the new ODEON cinema in Oldham town centre later this year.
Oldham Town Centre Partnership has organised a fun Movie Trail for visitors to take part in.
There are 11 businesses around the town centre with movie-themed window displays and to win all you need to do is find them.
If you are lucky enough to win you will receive a family ticket for four to a screening of your choice when the Old Town Hall opens later this year.
The Movie Trail has been an opportunity for businesses to pick up some tips on making great window displays.
Artist Claire Louise Mather from Saddleworth has worked closely with the individual businesses to create each of the bespoke window installations.
Each display incorporates a famous film – from Casino Royale to Cinderella – that reflects the individual businesses.
The artworks have been created using Claire’s usual medium of textiles and machine stitch and incorporates locally produced wools.
Claire told Saddleworth News: “I was recently commissioned by Oldham Council to create eleven window installations for town centre businesses to celebrate the multi million pound regeneration of the old Town Hall and as part of their Britain in Bloom bid.
“The concept for the commission was based around, and made direct links to, the history of film posters and billboards.
“Using a cross section of genres, combined with a range of materials I created mixed media textile interpretations of original movie poster designs.
“The resulting artwork is bespoke to each business and is multi layered, blending text, fabrics and machine drawn stitched imagery.”
The Movie Trail runs until Saturday 13 August.
Clues to locate all of the window displays are included on the entry form for the prize draw, which is available from the Town Centre Team Office, Albion Street, or participating businesses.
The prize draw will see one winner chosen at random from all of the entries that correctly name the 11 businesses.
Artist Claire Louise Mather
Oldham Council is currently creating an 800-seat, seven-screen ODEON cinema in the Old Town Hall.
The development will include six restaurants, including Nandos and Gourmet Burger Kitchen, and will open later in the year.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We’re all looking forward to the opening of the Old Town Hall and so we were keen to incorporate a film theme into this year’s Town Centre trail.
“The windows look great and are a must for movie-lovers of all ages during the summer holidays.
“I encourage everyone to explore the different parts of the Town Centre on the Movie Trail and the fantastic businesses that have taken part.”
If you have found a film-themed display in a business’ window in the Town Centre post it on social media using #LightsCameraOldham
For more information go online to www.visitoldham.com or call the Town Centre Team on 0161 770 4516.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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