Bedale art students and teacher Kath Mackenzie show off one of the panels,
it depicts Bedale Harbour.

IMPRESSIVE new art panels are to be installed in Bedale’s Assembly Rooms – designed by local students.

Artist, Jim Bond, has worked with pupils from the town’s High School to create the artwork which reflect local history – everything from speedway and Bedale harbour to a 13th century lord.

The panels will be installed in the Assembly Rooms once renovation work on the building is completed in September.

Students held workshops with older people from the town to research it’s history and select themes to interpret on the panels. The designs were then laser cut into steel and powder coated.

“Rather than the chipboard panels that used to be hung in the assembly rooms we will have these very attractive panels which reflect key events and people in Bedale's colourful history,” said Councillor Wanda Reynolds, Mayor of Bedale.

“Brian Fitzalan, Lord of Bedale in the late 13th century and Edward I’s custodian of Scotland, is represented - as is a more modern day resident. Eva Askquith was a remarkable woman speedway rider of the 1920s and 30s.

“These pieces will be a real asset and another feature to encourage people to visit and explore the town. They compliment all the good work undertaken recently in Bedale.”

The project was commissioned by Bedale Town Council with funding from Yorkshire Forward, Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, and arts organisation Creative Industries Development Agency. Bedale High School also contributed to the project.