Yarn Bombers Hit Murray Edwards

An abandoned bike at Murray Edwards has been transformed into a work of art in the college garden.

The bike, abandoned without a lock months ago, had been trashed before being ‘yarn bombed.’

An anonymous artist, known only as ‘The Willow Wanderer’, decorated the bike with various knitted and crocheted squares made by Murray Edwards students and staff members.

It was originally the idea of college gardener Peter Kirkham: “We just love all of this yarn-bombing that goes on around the country and thought doing that to the bike would be great.”

The whole college supported and contributed to the piece which was the centrepiece of the college’s Apple Day last Saturday.

‘The yarn bomber’, as the artist is also known, has previously customised bike sheds and lamp posts in the same way, and they aren’t done yet: “It’s about turning the urban landscape into something colourful and creative. Students should expect to see more of this kind of thing around Cambridge.”

But the Willow Wanderer has deflected the attention saying, “This isn’t about me. It’s about getting the wider community involved in creativity and I’ve got more of this kind of thing planned for Cambridge.”

Yarn bombing is a form of street art gaining popularity across the country. ‘Guerrilla knitters’ use knitting and crochet to brighten up urban areas without the permanence and damage of paint.

The first International Yarn bombing Day was even held on 11^th June 2011.

Students have generally reacted positively to the new artwork. Amy Greg, a 2nd year lawyer at Murray Edwards, told The Tab: “I think it’s a great addition to the landscape at Murray Edwards especially since we’re known for our artwork.”