The Outside Art Trail of Discovery Comes to Brentford
Curated by two local members of The Arts Society Chiswick
Linda Cadier and Diana Oppé with one of the landmarks on the trail
July 3, 2026
The Outside Art Trail of Discovery comes Brentford this summer, expanding a project that has quietly transformed how residents encounter art in the everyday fabric of their neighbourhood. Curated by Arts Society Chiswick (TASCH) members Diana Oppé and Linda Cadier, with support from Olivia Freeman, the new trail brings together 21 outdoor artworks scattered across Brentford’s streets, estates, riverside corners and cultural landmarks. It launches on Thursday 9 July at 8pm at the Polish Social and Cultural Centre (POSK), ahead of the Society’s monthly lecture.
The initiative follows the success of last year’s Chiswick trail, part of The Arts Society’s national Trails of Discovery programme, which encourages people of all ages to explore local heritage through self-guided routes. Brentford’s edition builds on that ethos, inviting walkers to notice what they may have passed a hundred times without seeing: a sculpture tucked beside a towpath, a mural brightening a railway bridge, a plaque linking the area to a centuries‑old story.
The curators have assembled a mix of work by local artists and internationally recognised figures. Brentford-based makers such as Neil Lemaire, Claire Ireland and Shelley Thomas sit alongside artists including Amal Ghosh, Michael Landy, Simon Packard, Jan Pienkowski, Colin Spofforth and Wendy Taylor. Schoolchildren’s contributions also feature, reinforcing the trail’s emphasis on accessibility and community involvement. Among the standout pieces are Spofforth’s Guest of a Lady, the reflective Mirror Man, and the Pocahontas Plaque, which anchors Brentford’s connection to the historic figure.
Spofforth describes his sculpture as “a celebration of character, community,” a sentiment that neatly captures the spirit of the wider project. The trail is designed not only to showcase art but to spark curiosity—encouraging residents and visitors to pause, look up, and discover stories embedded in the public realm.
Brochures containing a map and details of each artwork will be available at the launch event, at TASCH talks, and at venues across Brentford and Chiswick including Brentford Library, POSK and The Creative Mile festival. Additional information, including an interactive Google Map for mobile use, is available on the Arts Society Chiswick website.
Although the trail is free and open to all, the organisers hope it may inspire newcomers to explore the Society’s wider programme. Annual membership includes ten expert lectures held on the second Thursday of each month (except August and December), along with tours, visits, social events and special interest days. Non-members are welcome to attend talks for £15 on the door.
Further details can be found at theartssocietychiswick.org.uk.
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