Giant 'papestry' drawing to go on display

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Eleanor MaslinEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — The so-called "Bailgate Papestry" created by Matthew Wright will go on display at the Lincoln Usher Gallery

Simon Spark/BBC A man with grey and brown hair slicked away from his forehead is sat in a chair next to a desk looking at the camera. He has his hands together and knee crossed and is wearing a brown short-sleeved shirt and blue trousers. On the table is a long paper roll with detailed drawings of buildings. — The so-called "Bailgate Papestry" created by Matthew Wright will go on display at the Lincoln Usher Gallery

A giant roll of paper featuring an architectural sketch of one of Lincoln's oldest streets will go on display at a free exhibition.

The 20ft (6m) "Bailgate Papestry" depicts the uphill area from the castle and cathedral to the Newport Arch, a 3rd Century Roman gate.

Matthew Wright, from Lincoln, spent more than a year drawing the detailed artwork which will be displayed at the Lincoln's Usher Gallery from 19 June to 12 July.

He said: "It ticks all the boxes for me and will be free for everyone which was really important when I was deciding where to exhibit it."

The Bailgate is home to several shops and houses, with more than 20 buildings in the area with listed status and some shops dating as far back as the 13th Century.

Wright told BBC Radio Lincolnshire he still had 14 more buildings to draw until the artwork would be ready to go on display.

"I'm very flattered and humbled to be offered an exhibition at such a wonderful gallery," he said.

Simon Spark/BBC A long roll of paper with highly-detailed and life-like drawings of two old buildings including a pub which says 'Prince of Wales Inn' above it. A ruler and pen can be seen underneath it. — In September, Matthew Wright said his ultimate aim would be to display the artwork in a local gallery

The ink drawing, which was inspired by the length and size of the Bayeux Tapestry, will be displayed alongside a video which will show Wright's creative process.

Wright said: "It's to scale as best as I can get it. It starts at the assembly rooms and it will go down hopefully to the restaurant at the end where Steep Hill turns to Danesgate.

"I love drawing, I love celebrating architecture and history," he added.

"It's become more of a project for the community now and to celebrate a part of Lincoln that has so much history."

Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery stated in a social media post that the Papestry "meticulously details buildings lining the iconic Lincoln landmarks of the Bailgate and Steep Hill."

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