Dulux Trade
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Dulux Trade Weathershield transforms Southampton Housing Association as part of youth project
Following the repeated vandalism of an exterior wall at one of its housing projects, Western Challenge Housing Association called on qualified youth and community worker, and founder of art education organisation Graffiti Peace, Will Rosie, to transform the area into one that the residents could be proud of.
Will held focus groups with the young people that live at Legion Close to find out how they would like to see the area transformed and to consult them on potential designs. Having decided that a huge mural would turn the area into a welcoming and attractive communal space, Will and his young team put various themes to a vote. An underwater theme was the most popular, as it had the broadest appeal and would create a focal point that was attractive for all ages.
The mural was outside and it needed to be able to stand up to the changeable British weather, so Will opted for Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry paint, which offers unrivalled durability, for the work. The Dulux Trade Weathershield masonry range is a collection of high performance water-based and solvent-based products that deliver up to 15 years protection even in the most extreme weather conditions.
Speaking about the colours he needed to complete the mural, Will says: "My local merchant was fantastically helpful, and recommended that I use paints from the Dulux Trade Weathershield range as it has a really extensive colour portfolio and delivers exceptional exterior protection."
So excited were the young people about the transformation of the outdoor space that they volunteered to help Will create the mural, which was completed in a four week period over the summer holidays. The stunning 21m x 3m mural is now the largest hand painted community artwork in Southampton, and has engendered a real sense of pride in the local residents. There has been no vandalism of the area since, and the young people who live at Legion Close have taken ownership of the space in a positive way that has brought the community together.
