Qualis Homes, together with Epping Primary School and artist Veronica Rowlands, has brought art into the heart of Epping.
Qualis Homes sponsored an art workshop for children of Epping Primary School to create images of fauna and flora, inspired by nearby Epping Forest. The children’s images were collated by visual artist, illustrator, and educator Veronica Rowlands to create a bespoke design for the newly installed hoarding around Qualis Homes’ Verdant Place site on St John’s Road. The artistic partnership reflects the community-focused approach that lies at the heart of Qualis Homes.
To celebrate the collaboration, Emily Gilchrist, Sales & Marketing Manager at Qualis Homes, presented the children with a replica print of their work, as a memento to be displayed at the school.
Verdant Place, which is being marketed and sold by Qualis Homes, offers a collection of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, launching in early 2024. Located on the site of a former school, the development occupies a prime location within Epping. It will deliver 184 sustainable homes, including a mix of new builds and unique, refurbished properties.
The new hoarding draws inspiration from the greenery of the site, local vegetation, and nearby Epping Forest, which also served as the inspiration for Verdant Place’s naming. In creating the hoarding, Veronica worked with Epping Primary School children from Key Stages One and Two. Together, they created imagery that would resonate with the local community while reflecting the rich natural history of the district.
On one section of the hoarding, intricately patterned leaves bring a burst of colour and texture, bringing to mind the rich variety of seasonal change in the verdant Epping Forest. On the other, forest animals – including majestic deer and intricately detailed hedgehogs – pay homage to the beauty and diversity of the ancient woodland.
Emily Gilchrist, Sales and Marketing Manager, Qualis Homes, said: “Community is at the heart of our organisation and approach, so we are delighted to have worked with Veronica and with the talented children at Epping Primary School, providing an opportunity for their artwork to take centre stage at Verdant Place.
“The resulting hoarding cannot fail to brighten up the day of all those who pass by. We look forward to undertaking similarly creative initiatives for future projects.”
Rebecca Warwick, Art Leader, Epping Primary School, added: “Our children were thrilled to be given the opportunity to create such beautiful artwork for display and to work alongside Veronica in delivering something that recognised Epping’s rich natural setting.
“Their eyes have been opened to the potential impact of art in the urban environment and to how art can help to build a sense of community. Thank you to Qualis Homes and to Veronica for working with our talented young people on this fantastic project.”
