The Mosaic panels
In 1998 I learned to mosaic , I was hooked by this fascinating art , and in 1999 I approached my local council to ask if I could mosaic the panels on the towns Roundabout .
It’s on a very busy stretch of road that runs along the coastline called the A259.
I was able to get sponsorship for the materials from a company called Mosaica which sadly no longer exist . So I made the panels with a good friend named Lindy , we didn’t charge any money for the mosaics as it was a gift to the town, and a way to satisfy our craving and passion for mosaics.
Peacehaven Town council were thrilled with it and as a result of a newspaper article in the local Argus I was contacted by Belmond , (formally known as The Venice-Simplon Orient-Express)
They invited me to see the trains mosaic floors situated in each lavatory made by the late Marjorie Knowles. The mosaics were crumbling away , and needed some attention , and so my train connection begins , I’ve also got my work on The Northern Belle and on the Vale of Rheidol in Wales.
As time went by , the roundabout panels started to deteriorate , so after ten years I went and gathered them from the island and mounted any remaining damaged ones onto boards which I have at home .
The Bee roundabout 2020
During lockdown I decided to make new panels for the roundabout, at no cost to the town , I was kindly given materials from Hobby Island , and I decided the theme would be colours of the rainbow and bees , as I have an affinity for them. We all know how important Bees are for the planet that they thrive and survive, they pollinate the flowers without even realising it as they go about their day to day work .
The leaf panel design was inspired by the Portmerion pottery I collect, it’s an olive leaf symbol of peace .
Paradise Park Newhaven very kindly donate the town the flowers each year for the planters. All of the flowers are chosen to attract bees and butterflies.
The panels portray words to inspire us to Bee kinder, stronger, happier, calmer, peaceful and loving.