A mural made of 20,000 epaulettes donated by people who work in protective services across the globe has been unveiled.
The piece of art that measures 55 foot long and ten foot high was revealed by its creators at Caroline Chisholm School last night (February 28).
Serving police officers, firefighters and armed services, as well as retired protective service workers turned up to see the mural for the very first time and it was clear to see just how much it meant to so many people.
Chief Constable Nick Adderley was also in attendance at the unveiling and after seeing the mural for the first time he said: “It’s really moving. I think the vision and what it represents is phenomenal.
“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers that they face every single day. It really is a remarkable piece of art.”
The idea for the mural originally came from PC Stuart Roberts who is currently serving for Northamptonshire Police.
Stuart wanted to pay tribute to PC Andrew Harper after he died on duty last year, but could not take flowers as he was on his motorbike.Instead he left one of his epaulettes and posted a picture of it online.
He was then inundated with offers of donations from other protective service workers and he wanted to do something with them all.
Sam Bailey, who is an art and photography teacher at Caroline Chisholm, got on board and designed the mural.
Within a month of Sam joining Stuart, the mural was complete.
Sam spent days as long as 14 hours working on the artwork during half term just before the unveiling.
On the night she said: “I love it. It’s even better than what I thought for.
“The whole process has been so organic and just amazing.
Stuart added: “It’s everything I hoped for and more. It’s incredible and I love it.
“The response has been great. I want to thank everyone because they are part of what it’s all about celebrating all the work the protective services do.
“I’ve met people tonight I’ve never met before and does feel like we are one big family.”
Sam and Stuart are now looking for a permanent home for the mural.
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PC Stuart Roberts, one of the masterminds behind the mural, giving a speech at the unveiling. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.
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Essex Police made an epaulette to commemorate Thames Valley Police officer PC Harper. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.
