Sunflowers in bloom at Westgate Oxford in centre’s floral takeover
Collaboration with National Gallery and Global Street Art unveils first Murals reMastered project outside of London
Westgate Oxford is bursting 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 was brought to life over five days 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 1st October, Westgate Oxford is hosting sunflower-inspired activities throughout the centre.
On 3rd and 4th 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.
Clare Martin, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “Van Gogh’s Sunflowers is recognised across the globe, and the Murals reMastered collaboration with the National Gallery is a creative and impactful way to bring incredible works like this directly to the public. We’re pleased to play a part in making art and its history more accessible, and look forward to a colourful few weeks of celebrations with our community.”
Paul Gray, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer at the National Gallery, commented: “The National Gallery’s collection truly belongs to the nation, and Murals reMastered allows us to find new and imaginative ways to share it with the country. We hope to spark curiosity, conversation, and connection among audiences who may never have encountered these works before.”
Phillip Hulme, Head of Development at Global Street Art, added: “This project brings the worlds of classical and contemporary painting together in a never-before-seen collaboration. Our artists, some of the best muralists in the world, have been so inspired by artists in the Gallery’s collection and it’s an honour to recreate these works at such scale.”
For more information on Westgate Oxford and its retailers, please visit https://www.westgateoxford.co.uk/en 
