A community-led project to install a stunning mosaic map of Wells in the heart of the city is nearing its final stages, almost ten years after it was first conceived. The Wells in Mosaic project will feature a six-metre diameter walkable map of the historic city centre, showcasing Wells' iconic landmarks and streets in vibrant colours.

Local artist Ruth Ames-White has been painstakingly creating the artwork for the past four years, starting at one edge of the circle and working her way across. Each section has been delicately constructed and stored in bespoke boxes, ready to be reassembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle at its permanent location.

A milestone moment for the project

On 18th September, the Mayor of Wells visited Ruth's studio to view the final strip of the mosaic laid out on her six-metre-long workbench. The scene was a testament to Ruth's dedication, with sunlight reflecting off the intricate details of Wells' famous architecture and historic sites, bringing to life the vision of the project.

Ruth has meticulously laid approximately 90% of the total 750,000 individual mosaic pieces. While there is still around 10% to go, the final stretch remains a significant challenge due to the complexity of replicating Wells' most famous landmarks. One such landmark is Wells Cathedral, which required Ruth to use a 3D scale model to accurately capture its unique features.

Ruth shared that creating the Cathedral was one of the most demanding parts of the mosaic. "Having the Cathedral in 3D form has allowed me to photograph the building from any angle, work with it in my design software, and then refer to it as I place the tiles. It is without doubt the most complex part of the project to mosaic," she explained.

Celebrating community support

The project has garnered support from local residents, organisations, and even notable figures like Michael Eavis, founder of Glastonbury Festival, who launched the design. Earlier this year, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, and Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Ted Allen, visited Ruth's studio. Saddiq praised Ruth's dedication on social media, stating, "The skill and intricacy of the handcraft in this contemporary mosaic is quite outstanding."

The Wells in Mosaic project is entirely community-funded through donations and arts funding. The organisers are now encouraging more people to get involved to ensure the mosaic is completed and installed in its new home, where it will serve as a permanent celebration of Wells' rich history and architectural beauty.

A mosaic that tells the story of Wells

The finished piece will be installed in a central location in Wells, offering locals and visitors a unique way to explore the city's history and heritage. With its vibrant colours and meticulous details, the mosaic will be both an artistic masterpiece and a functional map of Wells' historic centre.

To find out more about Wells in Mosaic, to donate, or to sponsor a piece of the artwork, visit Wells in Mosaic's website.