Artist's piano project to strike a chord with shoppers - The Rugby Observer

Artist's piano project to strike a chord with shoppers

Rugby Editorial 23rd Jun, 2022   0

AN ARTIST has struck the right chord by transforming the blank canvas of a full-size piano into a piece of musical artwork which shoppers in Rugby can play at their leisure.

London-based artist and professional pianist Natasha Awuku-Williams has decorated the brightly coloured piano which has been temporarily installed in Rugby Central Shopping Centre, as part of a project by town centre management company Rugby First supported by the shopping centre and Steve Droy Pianos.

Passers-by – whether amateur or professional – can now tinkle the ivories to provide a soundtrack to Rugbeians’ shopping trips.

Natasha has already created a number of street art pieces inspired by the work of Rugby-based charity Practical Action.




Jo Kemp, Rugby First Operations Director, said: “Pianos are becoming increasingly popular in towns, city centres and train stations, including St Pancras, and Gloucester. They are a fantastic talking point, creating interest and vibrancy, especially when individuals and groups take to the keys.

“We are already aware of a number of groups who are planning to use the piano in Rugby Central to entertain visitors as well as raise awareness of their group. The addition of Natasha’s artwork will also ensure a brilliant splash of colour wherever it pops-up.


“I would like to thank Natasha, Rugby Central and The Piano Technology School for their support of the project. The piano will be based initially in Rugby Central for two months and then it will move from there onto a new home.

“If you are located within the Business Improvement District (BID) and would like to host the piano, please get in touch.”

The upright piano, a Challen, has been donated and will be maintained by Steve Droy Pianos and the students, from the The Piano Technology School, based in Rugby.

Steve said: “We were delighted to be able to donate the piano for the project and work with Natasha and Rugby First to bring it to life. I am sure the new installation will be well received by visitors and businesses alike and generate interest and footfall wherever it is located.”

For further information or to host the piano, contact Linda Lowne at Rugby First by emailing [email protected] or calling 01788 569436.

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