The Mayor of Bradford on Avon, Councillor Alex Kay, unveiled ‘Frida Owlo’, Bradford on Avon’s addition to the Minerva’s Owls of Bath Trail yesterday.
The colourful, eye-catching Owl, located at the end of the town bridge and was painted by Bath artist ‘Bunny’ who was inspired by the world’s first truly global woman painter, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who was a great advocate for Womens’ rights during the last century. The design is not only vibrant and colourful but links in well with Bradford on Avon’s year long ‘Women’s 100’ celebrations.
The event was well attended by Town Councillors, businesses, members of the Womens 100 group and other groups and individuals all excited to see the town’s Owl.
18 local businesses raised the funds to sponsor the owl, together with Bradford on Avon Town Council and the Area Board, including: The Swan Hotel, Strawberry Blue, Cobb Farr Estate Agents, Travel Options4u, By the Way, Varn Media, The Doghouse, Dible and Roy, Instant Vintage, Second hand Rose, Heathers, Browns Hardware, Dream Doors, Bathrooms at Number 5, Christines Supermarket, The Dandy Lion, Dixons Health and Westview Day Nursery.
The town is also organising a Frida Kahlo Mexican Themed day on Saturday July 28th in Westbury Gardens – a fun afternoon of competitions, games, food and live music.
James Sullivan-Tailyour who runs the Swan in the town centre, said: ‘We want to encourage people to take an interest in the Owl trail and in particular encourage those who pass through the town on a regular basis to decide to come and visit the town and spend a day enjoying the town, it’s got so much to offer with its fascinating history, wide range of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, Tithe Barn and riverside walks’.
Bradford on Avon is just a 14 minute train ride from Bath and is also accessible by bus, car and bicycle, with a number of car parks available. Frida is just a 5 minute walk from the train station and is in the centre of town. See www.bradfordonavon.co.uk for more information.
FRIDA KAHLO:
Frida was a trail blazer, for women artists. She loved nature, especially animals and had many beloved pets throughout her life, including monkeys.
Frida has become adored by millions across continents and especially in North and South America. She is a symbol of pride in difference and diversity. As well as a ‘patron Saint of women’s empowerment’. She was a passionate communist and socialist, believing in the values and transformative power of the Mexican revolution of which she and her husband Diego Rivera were central to.
This summer’s blockbuster show at the V+A Museum in London, is a presentation of many of Frida’s personal items of clothing, much admired in her lifetime and now a major fashion influencer. Diego locked away these precious clothes and personal items for 50 years.
FRIDA OWLO DESIGN:
The flowers around Frida Owlo’s neck reflect and entwine these two different and equally important, strong strands, of women’s empowerment history. Frida Owlo also displays her great love of beautiful large rings and jewellery.
Frida Owlo with Mayor Cllr Alex Kay and artist ‘Bunny’ at Frida’s unveiling at the Bradford on Avon Town Bridge on 4th July.