BSDC partners with abstract artist for the Burton Barrel Roll

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) is proud to announce its sponsorship of this year's Making Trails project, the Burton Barrel Roll. The Burton Barrel Roll promises to be a vibrant addition to the community, showcasing creatively designed barrels by 14 different artists.

Following on from the success of the Burton Swans in 2020 and The Big Burton Carousel in 2022, the Burton Barrel Roll sculpture trail will officially launch on 6th July, inviting both visitors and local residents to explore the streets, open spaces and public areas of Burton for ten weeks.

BSDC is delighted to have the talented abstract painter David Walton, currently exhibiting at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists' summer show, designing its barrel. David's unique artistic vision is set to add an exciting and engaging element to the trail.

David has longstanding connections with the College. Most recently, he has been a guest lecturer for the College’s Higher Education in Contemporary Creative Practice students, delivering observational drawing workshops. Reflecting on the experience, David said: “It was lovely to be invited to teach at the College. The students responded really well. We’ve done three sessions so far, and hopefully, I can come and do more.”

David has artwork in the permanent collections of Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham University, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, the Edge Art Centre and Creswell Crags Museum. He has designed and painted art for the Making Trails projects in Burton since the first trail in 2020. Speaking about his barrel design for BSDC this year, he said: "While this design reflects my usual abstract style, I believe that its abstract nature makes it unique compared to the other barrels. I am particularly drawn to the formal qualities of the abstract style, such as colour, which I enjoyed incorporating into this barrel. My goal was to create something cheerful."

To enhance the Burton Barrel Roll experience, a printed map of the trail will be available, alongside a dedicated app. This app will not only help people plot their routes around the trail but also uncover the stories behind each sculpture, its artist and its sponsor.