Living artwork featuring more than 10,000 from the Wisbech area has begun a 12-month tour

A huge community portrait featuring the outlines of more than 10,000 people has begun a year-long tour of Wisbech after being officially unveiled at the Boathouse Business Centre.

The Crowded Room Wisbech exhibition by artist Tim Mann was formally opened at the Harbour Square venue last week, where it will be on public display during in the day – and lit up at night – until the end of August.

The giant canvas will then go on display in different venues across the town before a final, permanent exhibition space is arranged.

Unveiling the exhibition at the Boathouse, Councillr Mark Buckton, Fenland Council’s portfolio holder for leisure and young people, said: “I am in awe of this portrait and what it represents is unique in terms of this town.

“I particularly like that this piece of art will be displayed where people are, when so often art is displayed where people are not,” he added. “It’s fitting that a piece of art which contains the spirit of the people of Wisbech will be displayed within the town. I invite everyone to come and view this piece, especially at night when it is illuminated. This piece is truly worth

looking at and that’s the best thing about a good piece of art.”

Tim has delivered his Crowded Room projects in locations across the UK and Ireland, with 6,200 people taking part in his most recent previous one in Stamford.

“Crowded Room Wisbech is the largest Crowded Room project to date, and it continues to grow,” he said. “I managed to capture the image of those attending the exhibition opening, showing that it truly is a living work of art.”

Tim started the Wisbech project last September and took the artwork to more than 30 venues around the town, including 14 schools and colleges, to engage as many participants as possible. The youngest to take part was just six-weeks-old and the eldest was 94!

He also partnered with the Wisbech and Fenland Museum, where the artwork was first displayed between November last year and March.

He said: “Everyone who took part has helped create a visual census of those who live, work and visit the town. The portrait is a truly positive image of the community of Wisbech and shows that, despite our differences, as humans we are all the same.”

Members of the public can view the exhibition at the Boathouse during normal office hours from Monday to Friday.

For more information about Tim and the Crowded Room Wisbech project visit: www.timmannartist.com