A new painted piano has spruced up Macclesfield Bus Station.

The striking artwork is based off a science fiction series of novels, and have trees reminiscent of Macclesfield Forest.

The painting is called 'Tension' - relating to both piano strings and the fact that this will break the silence for those waiting for a bus.

Macclesfield artist Becca Smith (41), who lives near Windmill Park, has previously worked with the Macclesfield pianist community so was a perfect fit for the project.

Becca had two weeks to prepare, less than two working days to paint it.

"This is about making use of space that wasn't used before," said Becca.

"Places where you wait for public transport they're kind of liminal spaces. You don't feel easy to settle in because they are not established places.

"I love the piano at London Euston Station, having it in that space completely changes the atmosphere.

"I took my experience with Macclesfield mural painting to make sure this would stand out from a distance.

The only thing that isn't painted is the piano keys!

"There are lots of three dimensions in there. It was a great challenge as it was not a flat object, so there are lots of different elements to consider."

To bring the project to fruition, Lucy Thomson-Smith of Crewe Lyceum Theatre got in touch with Becca, and provided the piano.

There is also a similar painted piano in Crewe.

The project was paid for through the European Regional Development Fund on behalf of Cheshire East Council.

Becca's work can be found all over town, including a mural on Park Green and one in the Churchill Way carpark.

"A lot of elderly people wait here and they may not have a phone. It is not the most comfortable place, but having this it is the perfect place to have some visual artwork and fill it with sound," added Becca.

"Anyone can come and play it but we are hoping musicians can come and book it and maybe bring a percussionist or a singer.

"The children have really loved it as well."

The piano is near to the Aldi entrance of Macclesfield Bus Station.

'Tension' is the latest in a series of improvements in and around Macclesfield Bus Station, SK11 6JN.

It comes complete with seat, a rack for sheet music, and piano cover.

"The artwork on this piece is based on a book called Annihilation Jeff VanderMeer.", Becca recalled.

"I exhibit with a few artists in London each year based on a set text.

"[Based on that] I started painting pictures of Macclesfield Forest in January when me and my toddler had COVID. And it was one of those classic moments in life where you were ill or something changes and you create something in response to that.

"When I was asked to play the piano I calculated I had just eight hours that I could fit around childcare to paint it, so I thought I would carry on what I was doing at that moment."

There will be another piano unveiled on Thursday in Macclesfield Indoor Market, which was painted by Becca's students at Project-inc.

Becca's next Macclesfield art project will be with Macclesfield Museums.

You can follow the Macclesfield artist on Facebook.

Her Twitter is @BeccaSmithArt and her Instagram is @beccasmith_art..

You can also find more about her London exhibits here.

See Also: This epic Macclesfield street mural took one year to make

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