About
Inspiration for The BART was taken from a project in Edinburgh called the Colinton Tunnel, after The BART founder Jane Manning visited the tunnel whilst on holiday in the area.
Images taken from the Colinton Tunnel website
Mural Artist Chris Rutterford was keen to help Jane with support and ideas to get her first project, The Shrewsbury Gateway Tunnel mural, off the ground.
Chris has more recently been involved in another mural project at Alloway Tunnel in Ayr, Scotland, creating one of Scotland’s largest murals, transforming another old, dilapidated tunnel into a fabulous, safe and inspiring place.
"The Colinton Tunnel was a grim, scary, badly-lit and graffiti-covered place eight years ago. Just like the BART project, we had a vision to change things, to create something magical and to create a destination that would bring people to our wee village. Transforming the dark corners of our towns and cities into vibrant visual hubs brings measurable social and economic benefits to communities. Our own art team, led by Chris Rutterford and helped by young people from four schools, voluntary organisations and the wider community, created the stunning and immersive illustrated storybook that people now walk and ride through. We have been pleased to share our experiences with the BART team and wish you every success in transforming your environment into a visual delight.”
- Mike Scott, Chairman, Colinton Tunnel Mural Project
The BART Trustees
Jane
Manning
Chair of trustees and founder of The BART, Jane’s background is in PR and marketing. Growing up in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, the idea for The BART was inspired by a visit to Colinton Tunnel in Edinburgh. With childhood memories of a very dark, dirty Shrewsbury Gateway tunnel, still looking the same several decades later, Jane decided that it was time to take action!
Dr
William
Grech
William is a retired GP and having lived close to Shrewsbury for more than 25 years is fully committed to improving the already beautiful features that the town has to offer. Becoming a trustee of BART was a natural means of fulfilling that aim.
Louisa
Collings
Louisa has a background in psychology and working in mental health within the voluntary sector. She brings an understanding of people’s needs and behaviour and the effects of the environment on these. She is enthusiastic to be involved in a project which positively impacts the wellbeing of a whole community.
Rod Clark OBE
Rod is a retired CEO of a
national charity and now runs an organisation, DeafReach, which
supports partners offering education and vocational training in sub-Saharan Africa. He has lived in Shrewsbury for 20 years and is keen to see the successful creation of the Tunnel project which will add to the beauty of the town.
His main role as a Trustee is to help
with information and advice after
a lifetime in the voluntary
sector.