Sunflowers to bloom in centre’s floral takeover at Westgate Oxford

Westgate Oxford
is set to burst into bloom this autumn as the centre unveils its glorious
collaboration with the National Gallery and Global Street Art’s Murals
reMastered project: a giant recreation of Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers.

The iconic and
expressive artwork, one of the Dutch painter’s most notable pieces, was chosen
intentionally for the city: Sunflowers pays homage to Oxford’s botanical
history as home to the oldest botanic garden in the UK, the University of
Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, founded in 1621.

The
larger-than-life work of art will take five days to be brought to life by
Global Street Art, with the painting completed by multiple artists before the
mural takes pride of place on Westgate Oxford’s entrance on the corner of
Castle Street and Church Lane.

Westgate
Oxford’s Sunflowers mural is the first of the National Gallery and
Global Street Art’s Murals reMastered works to be installed outside of
London, with the project building on the National Gallery’s long-standing
commitment to sharing its collection with communities across all four nations.

To celebrate
the artwork’s unveiling on 1^st October, Westgate Oxford is hosting a
week of sunflower-inspired activities throughout the centre.

On 26^th
and 27^th September, The LEGO® Store invites guests to enjoy a
sunflower store takeover, with free Stay & Play sessions throughout the
day, with fans of all ages welcome to build their own sunflower-themed
creations.

The
celebrations continue on 3^rd and 4^th October with even
more family-friendly fun: guests can snap a striking pic at the centre’s
sunflower-decked backdrops before taking part in themed crafting sessions and
exploring the Sunflower Wishes Wall: an interactive installation asking
visitors of all ages to make a pledge to nature by writing their wish on a seed
packet, which will then be planted as part of a local community initiative.

Roof Terrace
bar Victors is joining in the festivities with a bespoke new Sunflower
cocktail, created exclusively for the mural unveiling. A mocktail version will
also be available to guests.

For an added
burst of colour, Freddie’s Flowers will be giving away beautiful flower
bouquets all weekend, accompanied by hosts from the Sunflower Society handing
out seed packets to take home and plant to enjoy.