Over the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend, The Black Horse in Woburn, in conjunction with Bedford Street Gallery, is going to take on a completely new look. On Saturday 29th August, The Wonderland Collective, a talented group of graffiti artists drawn from across the creative spectrum, will use the pub’s traditional garden setting as the blank canvas for a unique piece of artwork; the Collective will create large scale artworks around the garden walls.

Johann Bester, Director of the Bedford Street Gallery, Woburn, who are housing an exhibition of new works from The Wonderland Collective artists from 29th August until 14th September, takes up the story. “This is a one-off opportunity in the heart of Woburn to witness some of the most prolific and creative urban artists working in the country, creating an exceptional collection of artworks on the walls of The Black Horse pub garden.

“The artists, who recently completed a celebrated installation at the Royal Albert Hall in London, will literally graffiti large scale works onto panels and large canvasses. Apart from fantastic art it is also a chance to celebrate the great British pub, of which Woburn’s Black Horse is a great example. On completion some of the artwork will be used to promote British pubs and art, and the selected work will be sold in auction after the campaign, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Research.”

In addition, a life-size sculpture of a horse – created and donated by Johann Bester, from Bedford Street Gallery - will also be graffiti-ed on the day by The Wonderland Collective, who will spray the beast and leave it to drip down into a new artistic vision. The horse will remain in The Black Horse’s courtyard for the duration of the Woburn Oyster Festival – the only question remaining whether to paint it black like its namesake or leave it in its graffiti-ed state. That will be up to the regulars of the pub and the residents of Woburn to decide.

Andrew Coath, owner of The Black Horse, said, “This is going to be a truly unique day in the life of The Black Horse and a one-off spectacle not to be missed, whether you’re a regular at the pub or just passing through. As well as celebrating the work of the Wonderland Collective on the day, we’ll also be hosting a fantastic barbeque and drinks party, to launch the new piece in style. Make sure you join us from 12.30 onwards on Saturday 29th August to witness the event.”