River Swan's founder and creator-in-chief Naomi Hands-Smith has drawn inspiration from Stratford-upon-Avon’s much-loved swans and its literary and theatrical heritage for her first public art mural.

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As part of a national Christmas campaign, ASK Italian commissioned Naomi to bring some Scintillio di Neatale - that's Christmas spirit in Italian! - to its restaurant in Bell Court shopping centre.

 

The mural spans all 14 windows and features Shakespeare's quill and inkpot and his famous Folio, alongside the trademark swans from Naomi's growing River Swan of Avon range of greetings cards and wall art. Shakespeare was, of course, described as ‘the sweet Swan of Avon’.

 

Naomi said: “It’s been an absolute joy to collaborate with ASK Italian. Stratford is a town rich with history, culture, and creativity, and it’s been a pleasure to weave those elements into my illustrations. I hope shoppers and diners will enjoy the new artwork and feel a little bit of Stratford’s magic when they visit this Christmas.”

 

ASK Italian has mobilised an army of artists, in partnership with leading paint marker pen maker Posca, to bring seasonal sparkle to its restaurants all over the country as part of its ‘Fizz the Season's campaign.

 

Working with ASK is another important milestone as Naomi continues to grow her River Swan of Avon brand, which has grown since launching three years ago to a collection of over 60 greeting cards and wall art designs.

 

Her artwork has also featured on the front page of the 2023 festive edition of Cotswold Life magazine and a greeting card that celebrated the refurbishment and reopening last year of RSC's Swan Theatre, and her Royal Collection has been used to illustrate a book of poems dedicated to the late Queen.

 

Naomi will be among almost 30 local makers at Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park’s first ever Christmas Gift Fair, which takes place from 6 to 8 December 2024.

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Also see my events page to find out where else to find River Swan and Me!

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