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Artist provides food for thought

An artist has brought his distinctive style to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ – painting two wall murals to brighten up a newly revamped catering area.

Bobzilla has painted all over Middlesbrough and his distinctive style – using birds and trainers to symbolise freedom and youth – is instantly recognisable. Now the artist, real name Robert Page, has teamed up with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and has completed two paintings in the café in the Brittan Building.

The café has recently been refurbished to offer a welcoming and comfortable social area for students and staff. Food in the café is freshly prepared on campus and is designed to be tasty and affordable.

And it now boasts two Bobzilla paintings to add to his growing collection around the town.

Robert, originally from Sheffield, moved to Middlesbrough 20 years ago. He originally started his unique street style painting to make the area nicer and give people something to look at.

'The birds represent freedom, but mean different things to different people,' he said.

'The trainers were influenced by a love for hip-hop culture while growing up in and around Sheffield and the birds are designed as visual metaphors for freedom and a playful irresponsibility.

'It has been great to work with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and in a way this is a perfect setting for my work - hopefully it will provide a little bit of extra inspiration to students and staff.'

Debby Roberts, Assistant Director of Campus Services, added: 'We have recently rebranded our catering offer as TUC – º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Catering.

'There are a number of catering outlets across the campus, providing a wide range of hot and cold food, snacks, drinks and healthy options to both students and staff. Increasingly we’re making our food from scratch, on campus, and we’re working towards further increasing our use of locally sourced and wholesome ingredients.

'We are delighted with the work Bob has done in the Brittan Building. It really brings the area to life and is a lovely setting for people to enjoy.'

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