This fresco
of
Michelangelo's Libyan Sibyl
was created by
Iain Carstairs, painter
Jim Smith, plasterer
and the people of
Bedford
Begun October 31st 2012
500 years to the day after the Sistine unveiling
and completed January 1st, 2013
public fresco
The fresco at Frescoes Coffee House is on the “tourist map of Bedford” and gets the paparazzi treatment, with people stopping to take photographs and ask how it came about.
So we asked Kevin Kavanagh, owner of Frescoes Coffee House to gives us the fresco low down and here it is………
Bedford artist Iain Carstairs and plasterer Jim Smith created the fresco, a life-sized replica of Michaelangelo’s “Libyan Sibyl” from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Work began in October 2012, 500 years to the day after the Sistine unveiling of Michaelangelo’s masterpiece.
The fresco art technique dates back to 1500 BC and Bedford’s fresco is thought to be the first of its kind in this country. The weather has a dramatic effect on the fresco with light reflecting on the pigments of paint. Take a look for yourself – see how the fresco changes with the weather but is always spectacular.
The fresco brought world-wide attention to Bedford when it was unveiled – and continues to create interest and praise in the art world.
Pop into Frescoes Coffee House to soak up the art exhibitions, listen to music, use free Wi-Fi and drink the best coffee you are likely to find anywhere.