Oxford’s empty shops get colourful makeover

A property consultancy in Oxford is bringing a splash of colour to the city’s empty shops through a collaboration with a local artist.

Vail Williams’ Oxford-based partner Mike Watson, who acts for various Oxford Colleges which have extensive portfolios of properties, has partnered with Oxfordshire-based artist Kathryn Croxson to transform vacant shopfronts he is marketing. 

The initiative has already brightened locations on High Street, Turl Street and New Inn Hall Street.

Award-winning and Australian-born Kathryn, whose travels across Turkey, Argentina, Bolivia and Australia fuelled her love of colour and unique patterns, said: “A city such as Oxford with its history, heritage and passion for the arts deserves to look at its best for shoppers, students and visitors.

“My style is very much centred around using vivid colours and these paintings certainly brighten up our streets – especially judging by the reactions of passers-by.

“The artwork is temporary, of course, but I have plenty of pictures of the painted shopfronts to preserve them and may even put on an exhibition one day.”

Mike, who has 26 years’ experience in Oxford, added: “I’m delighted with Kathryn’s unique creations. 

“The paintings have created a great deal of interest and have almost become the equivalent of a Vail Williams ‘to let’ sign.

“Kathryn's creative spin on window dressing not only enriches the environment but also helps to mitigate the negative impact of a void period to some degree. 

“The vibrancy and uniqueness of the displays she has created to date are amazing and genuinely add something special to what can be a low point in a property’s lifecycle.” 

Vail Williams, which expanded into Oxford last year with an office at New Barclay House, is currently marketing 14 retail properties across the city. 

Its local team, led by partner Richard Dawtrey, provides commercial property services, including investment, valuation and lease advisory.

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