A TEMPORARY public artwork is being carefully dismantled this week in preparation for a move to a permanent home.

‘Super Wonder Shrine’, which brought the technicolour design of internationally acclaimed artist Morag Myerscough to Weston-super-Mare’s High Street, will go into storage until it takes up permanent residence at a new destination within the town.

The Shrine was officially opened in December 2022, at a launch event attended by the artist, community members involved in the project, local councillors and the general public.

For nearly two years, it has animated the pedestrianised space on the corner of the High Street and Regent Street, an area known locally as Big Lamp Corner.

Erected in the artist’s trademark timber-built style and adorned with bold and colourful patterns, words and sentiments that celebrate Weston, the Super Wonder Shrine was co-created with local artists and residents in a community collaboration led locally by visual artist and social maker Megan Clark-Bagnall.

(Image: Newsquest)

The final painting and pattern application of the Shrine was undertaken by local creatives, together with over 45 students from Weston College with hands-on guidance from Morag Myerscough in what was a genuine skills and community-building process.

The bandstand-shaped structure was crafted and built by Weston-based master joiner Simon Birtwistle and local maker Shelley Jane.

Fiona Matthews, creative director at Super Culture, said: “It has been a real delight to bring Super Wonder Shrine to Weston and to see Morag Myerscough’s iconic artwork gives so much pleasure to residents and visitors alike.

“However, it was always intended to be a temporary fixture on the High Street, and after two years, now is the right time for it to move to a permanent home.

“Watch this space for news about the exciting re-location plans afoot.”

A spokesperson for Super Culture added: “The Super Wonder Shrine structure was part of ‘21st Century super Shrines’, a pioneering heritage project launched in May 2021, managed by Culture Weston - now known as Super Culture.

“It was part of North Somerset Council's four-year High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) cultural programme and was funded by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“The Historic England funding enabled a creative three-year programme of participation and engagement employing local people.

“Super Wonder Shrine was one of a series of innovative 'shrines' from art installations to live arts experiences for Weston's High Street, all capturing the vitality and values of the local community.

“The next Weston location for the Shrine is to be announced soon, pending final discussions. The dismantled structure will remain in storage in the meantime.”

North Somerset Council was awarded Heritage Action Zone status by Historic England in 2017.

It was one of the first places in England to receive this status.

This allowed Weston to apply for and receive over £800k worth of project funding.

In 2020, North Somerset Council received a further £1.1m from Historic England when it was awarded High Street Heritage Action Zone status.