Bristol city centre artwork needs restoration five months after being painted

Thousands of pounds could be spent by Bristol City Council to restore a city centre artwork which has fallen into disrepair just five months after it was painted.

‘Our Common Ground’ was painted across 700-square metres on Centre Promenade and cost £60,000 as part of efforts to revitalise the city centre.

The piece, designed by local artist Oshii, celebrates “the creativity and resilience” of Bristol’s African heritage communities.

But just five months after being completed, it has mostly worn away and has been described as “an embarrassment” by the deputy leader of Bristol City Council.

Oshii told ITV West Country that it was “upsetting” to see the state of the artwork so soon after it was finished.

“We’re deeply frustrated with how it’s turned out and that the paint hasn’t taken on it’s first application,” said Cllr Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Policy Committee at Bristol City Council.

“We’re working to get to the bottom of what’s gone wrong so that we can rejuvenate it in spring and bring it back to its former glory.”

The council is currently investigating why the piece has worn away so quickly and estimates that repainting will cost between £3,000 and £5,000.

It cannot be restored until spring because conditions must be dry and above 10 degrees celsius for repainting.

“When it was unveiled, it was a spectacular, vibrant new centre for our city,” added Cllr Brown.

“We really want to get back to that so it can be a real beating heart of the city centre.”

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