A new public art installation which celebrates the cultural diversity of youth activities in Barry has been revealed at the Thompson Street footbridge.
Ahead of the bridge’s official opening on 10 May, a series of supersized dominos created by artist Lulu Quinn have been installed at the site. Made of Welsh slate, they’ve been selected in memory of the much-valued ‘Domino Club’, which was established in Barry between 1947 and 1951.
The club was an important community organisation that, in the main part, involved young people taking part in theatre, singing and carnival-type activities. In post-war Wales, it was a vital part of the social fabric of Thompson Street.
Each domino includes images of former members of the Domino Club from that time within its dots. However, the artist also wanted to celebrate the achievements of today’s young people and provide them with a connection to the bridge. As a result, the dominos also feature images of members from Barry youth groups that Lulu worked with.
Cabinet member for economic development and regeneration Cllr Rhodri Traherne said: “Too often public art means very little to local people but this outstanding piece of work highlights both the history of Thompson Street and the faces of some of the young people that live there today.”
Local ward member, Cllr Chris Elmore, said: “I feel sure that local people will be pleased that the artwork is of the highest quality. It is certainly distinctive and the footbridge is now one of the major landmarks in Barry.”
