'Nostalgic' display unveiled at shopping centre

A Beatrix Potter display celebrating a city's history has been unveiled in a shopping centre.

Local artists Russell Haines and Lisa Turner created the display, which is now on show at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gloucester.

The display includes figurines from the original Tailor of Gloucester clock, which was a popular attraction at the centre before it was dismantled in 2013, when replacement parts needed to repair it could not be found.

"It's really important that we add a touch of nostalgia and reflect on our roots as a centre," said Will James, marketing commercialisation manager at Eastgate.

The painting was created by Gloucester-based artist Russell Haines, who was approached by Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID) and the shopping centre.

"I thought I'd try something colourful that kids would like," he said.

The side panels, created by Lisa Turner, are the first and last pages of Beatrix Potter's Christmas story, The Tailor of Gloucester.

Turner said the display had been "really well received" by the community.

"It brings a nostalgic, lovely feel and lots of fond memories," she said.

The project was originally started by Nick Brody, chair of the Pied Piper Appeal, who passed away in December last year.

The charity looked after the clock after it was removed, taking its parts to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools, but returned the parts in April last year.

They were first put on display at the top of the escalator on the first floor but are now placed back in their original location, alongside where the clock used to be.

James said the original clock holds a special meaning to him, adding: "I used to see it when I was a boy.

"Bringing that sort of cherished childhood memory across generations is brilliant."

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