SAVOY SQUARE

FILM POSTER PROJECT

Artists and sponsors are required to complete the project (cost is £295 + VAT per poster). Please call the Civic Society secretary, Jennifer Alderson, on 01274 870072 or email filmposters@svcs.org.uk

On October 20^th 2007 Spen Valley Civic Society have their latest project underway thanks to Gomersal company Cube Design & Display. The park in Cleckheaton town centre known locally as Savoy Square is starting to be adorned by 'film poster' artwork. A spokesperson for the society explained, "This area of the town used to be derelict land until we were given permission to landscape it back in 2003. When the council later renovated the indoor market we asked them to design their external wall facing onto the park in an Art Deco fashion. The Savoy cinema used to be on this site and we wanted to keep that connection alive for the park."

Now traditional style 'film posters' are being created and each one highlights an aspect of Spen Valley's local history. The first one celebrates Roger Hargreaves, the Cleckheaton born creator of Mr Men and is in the style of Saturday Night Fever.

"We're very grateful to Cube Design & Display for producing this and being the first sponsor. They've done an excellent job producing a highly durable 6 foot square piece of artwork from the artist's 12 inch original."

The next 'film poster', celebrating the former Cleckheaton based motorcycle company Phelan & Moore, is now complete and awaiting the next sponsor. Each one costs £295 + VAT and that includes putting it up on site. The society spokesperson continued, "The sponsor's name will appear on the poster. It's an excellent and cost-effective way for companies to advertise because their name is incorporated within the poster itself and will be seen by thousands of people. We need six more sponsors. We're also looking for more artists. This is an exciting project. We've searched the Internet and can't find another project like it."

Kirklees Markets Manager, Big Wigham, who has assisted the society with planning permission for the project said, "I'm really pleased with the first poster. It adds great character to the Market Hall building and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them going up."