Tile Hill is one of the few surviving libraries in Coventry which is still run by Coventry Council. Just off the main shopping area of Jardine Crescent. This modern library is well used by the local residence. In the back of the library is a courtyard which had been revitalised and turned into an oasis by local artists Nikki Bovis-Coulter and Jazmine Isha.
The Tile Hill Library garden project is a social prescribing
activity. Social prescribing is about helping people find ways
to improve their health and wellbeing by linking them up with
local services. organisation and activities.”
Garden concepts dreamed up by artists Jazmine and Nikki
a daughter and mother duo Photoaraphy by Jasmine Isha
Nikki and Jazmine are a Mother and Daughter duo who embarked on their first joint project together, this project is made from recycled and reclaimed materials. Through workshops over several months, the two have engaged the community in activities such as stone painting, creative critter creations, jubilee celebrations, creative collages and plate painting which included hubcaps and CDs.
The Launch was on a wet summer afternoon, which was brightened with this sheltered courtyard at the rear of the building. There were plenty of activities to keep everyone busy, which included tile painting (with finger paints), bead mobiles and a chance to chat to the artists. The library also provided food and drink for the day.
“We have really enjoyed helping brighten up the garden area in this much loved
Garden concepts dreamed up by artists Jazmine and Nikki
local library space. We hope you enjoy the transformation and continue to look after it and add to it! Most of the bright and beautiful decorations have been created by people from the local community over a series of 9 workshops, using easy-to-find or recycled materials, you can make these at home too!”
a daughter and mother duo Photoaraphy by Jasmine Isha
Next stage of the project
This is not the finished garden for the library as another team is now beginning their task of filling the space with plants and flowers soon. Plus all the work has been put in, in a way that other artists can add work into the space over time. But for now, it is an inspiring use of the courtyard where patrons of the library can relax, read or simply enjoy the view.
My favourite bits of the project are the Hubcap flowers, the Literary signpost pointing the ways to Hogwarts, Neverland and Oz, and the amount of detail and creativity that has been fitted into such a small space! I would recommend popping along and taking a look for yourself.
with painted stones
The Artists
Nikki Bovis-Coulter is a well known local artist who specialises in community art with a focus on the eco side. With many years under her belt, this last 12 months in the UK City of Culture has been a busy one. She was an Artist in Residence at Coventry Central Hall, creating beautiful Batik hangings, an EnviroArt Tree and a Book of hope under the banner of “Faith, Hope and Love”. She has also worked as part of the “Try-It” project for Coventry 2021, offering the city a chance to create their own work with her. Her latest project is based in Solihull and is for the Commonwealth games celebrations. her use of traditional techniques and modern technology gives her a beautiful and unusual style that is uniquely hers.
Instagram: @nikki_workshop_artist
Instagram: @faithhopelovearttoday
Facebook: @environmentalnaturaldesigns
Jazmine Isha is a photographer who has been working hard to kick start her bright future. She has recently showed her work as part of the “Positive image Festival” at the LTB Showrooms, and has been working on a project highlighting Loneliness. She is also a busy event photographer, an dmore of her work can be seen on her instagram @jazmineisha. Jazmine recently graduated for art and design college where she focused on Photography. She has a real flair for event photography, and has a beautiful style and an eye for detail which is enviable.
Instagram; @jazmineisha
Facebook: @JazmineIshaPhotography
For more details about the library; tile-hill-library
Project Pages
Instagram @librarygardenproject
Facebook: librarygardenproject/
