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Former Valley Park School pupil installs sculpture at Mote Park in Maidstone with help of 90 pupils

By Mark Turner

A new sculpture which was made with 2,000 tiles has been installed at a popular park.

Up to 90 students from Valley Park School in Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, helped create the colourful display, which was installed at Mote Park.

The Shared Memories Mural was created by Jack Durling, 31, who is from the town, and is meant to reflect memories shared by locals.

Jack, a former Valley Park pupil, said: “It was my 89-year-old nan, also from Maidstone, who inspired my initial ideas with the sculpture.

“She has long told stories of the past and how Mote Park was in the days of her childhood.

“Many tiles depict touching and personal memories of individuals which is something I found quite moving when running the workshops.

“It is my hope the mural continues to inspire reflection on the legacy of the park.”

Jack Durling, 31,with his grandmother Valerie. Picture: MBC
Jack Durling, 31,with his grandmother Valerie. Picture: MBC
The Shared Memories Mural was installed at Mote Park in Maidstone. Picture: MBC
The Shared Memories Mural was installed at Mote Park in Maidstone. Picture: MBC

Each tile was made using a clay body, and then varnished in an array of complementary colours inspired by the seasons.

Councillor Claudine Russell (Con) said: “I love this stunning piece of artwork, the colours and the style are so beautiful and so well put together it draws you in for a closer look.”

The artwork installation cost around £15,000 and Maidstone council hopes it will attract plenty of visitors.

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