ELEPHANTS have returned to Leamington
An unloved electricity substation in the town which was a frequent target for vandals has been given a jumbo makeover.
The substation, on the corner of Leam Terrace and Mill Street, sits next to the Elephant Walk leading to the River Leam where famous 19th century circus impresario Sam Lockhart would bring his elephants for a wash.
Lockhart, who was born to a circus family in Leamington in 1850, brought
three elephants back from Ceylon and taught them tricks. He had a circus by the Leam where the Loft Theatre now stands.
In recent years the building had to be cleaned regularly by owners Western Power Distribution (WPD) to remove graffiti – until a local arts organisation came to the rescue.
Previously painted white, the building has now been transformed with a colourful mural depicting three elephants.
Wayne Byrne, WPD team manager for South West Warwickshire, said: “We got thoroughly fed up of cleaning the graffiti off the building every few weeks so, when it was suggested that we commission some artwork, it seemed like the obvious solution.
“I think the finished result is excellent. The building looks fantastic and we have had lots of positive feedback from local people.”
The elephants were designed and painted by Brink Contemporary Arts.
