An artist has offered his work to be used for free as part of the IMAGINE Midsomer Norton programme.

It was announced that a scheme would be created to seek out proposals for community-led artwork that would be installed on High Street in time to coincide with the launch of a new public consultation in August, where chosen artists will receive a commission of £3000.

But Simon Wellington has offered up his artwork to be used for free, hoping to free up money so that it may be used on community projects.

Simon has very strong ties to Midsomer Norton. His great grandfather founded the business F. Speed and Sons on the site where the Lidl on High Street now sits, and his grandfather painted much of the signage around the town. Simon’s mother and grandfather painted the White Hart pictorial sign together.

Growing up in Midsomer Norton, he played football for Welton Rovers in 1974, helping them to win the Western League in 1974, and playing in the FA Cup against former Leeds and Juventus player John Charles.

Having moved away from Midsomer Norton initially for football, he would transition into a teaching career before becoming a sign maker and designer based in Southampton, before eventually moving back to Midsomer Norton.

Simon Wellington had initially moved away from Midsomer Norton for footballing reasons, but did move back and continues to visit the town.
Simon Wellington had initially moved away from Midsomer Norton for footballing reasons, but did move back and continues to visit the town. (Simon Wellington)

He then left to help his mother out and went to live in Seaton in 2014, but does return to visit his hometown. He runs a charity phone box for his artwork, having created many works like greetings cards and prints made for various exhibitions, including his one man show in the Chapter House at Wells Cathedral.

He decided to sell anything left over about a year ago from the phone box outside his house, where he has raised around £4,000 so far.

Commenting on the art scheme, Simon says: “Without saying this is a good or bad idea, it immediately poses a number of issues. Who do you choose?

“Do they have to be local? How do you price the work? It cannot be an exact amount. What type of work and in which style that will satisfy most residents? Is that enough artwork for such a big space?

“I would like to offer my paintings up for free so that the money can be used for community projects within the new building.

“There are so many art based activities, whether it be film, classes, drama, exhibitions, etc. where the money will do so much good.

“Because of the size of the building the paintings could be turned into large format prints, which Speed Signs at Old Mills could print and be displayed in much larger spaces in the building.

“I did something similar as a commission for Southampton Hospital which worked very well.

“This would be a tribute to my home town and a non contentious way to provide artwork in what will be a fantastic building.”

To see more of Simon’s charity work and some of the exhibitions and commissions he has done, visit the website www.simonwellingtonartist.co.uk.