Local artist transforms new centre with amazing murals

A talented Wokingham artist is helping to transform Building for the Future’s new play therapy centre for disabled children into a warm, welcoming space designed to inspire growth, creativity and hope.

Last Christmas, mural artist Tom Bazeley, 43, donated his time to create a beautiful snowy window scene at the charity's Our House centre, bringing festive cheer to children and families attending sessions.

While working on the seasonal artwork, Tom learned from Centre Manager Nicki Mitchell, that the charity was preparing to move to its new home at Thames Valley Park in 2026 and wanted to help out. It was a conversation that sparked an even bigger idea.

"That's how it began," Tom explained. "I offered my services to do the Christmas windows and while I was there we were chatting about the new place. I said that if there was anything I could do to help once everything was in, I'd love to be involved."

Now, thanks to Tom's generosity and hours of donated time, the walls of the new centre are being brought to life with a series of bespoke murals centred around a magnificent tree donated by Willmott Dixon. The tree is a symbol of children arriving at our centre where they can grow, flourish and thrive through specialist play therapy.

The wall work has been designed to complement the tree and to create a calm, nurturing environment, helping to replace the clinical feel often associated with therapy settings.

"As a parent myself, I know that clinical environments can put children on edge before they've even started. If you can help children feel more relaxed from the moment they walk through the door, it can make such a difference."

Art has always been a huge part of Tom's life. A former tattoo artist with a studio in Wokingham, he has spent years turning his creativity to everything from large-scale murals and handcrafted signs to community art projects.

"I've always been into anything artistic," he said. "I've done murals before on a large scale and I love creating anything with paint. I'm more of a hobby artist at the moment because I have so many different creative projects on the go. Anything arty, I'll have a go at."

Until recently, Tom worked as a school caretaker, where he was known for bringing creativity into everyday projects around the school. In his spare time he continues to make bespoke signs and artwork, with hopes of one day establishing a creative community hub where artists can exhibit their work, teach classes and inspire others.

"My dream is to create a space where different artists can come together, sell their work and run workshops. I think art is something everyone can benefit from. You don't have to think you're artistic; creativity lets you lose yourself for a while."

Having grown up in Wokingham, Tom has long been aware of the charity's work in supporting local children and families.

"I've always seen them around the community and been aware of the amazing work they do and I know how important it is. I'm all for supporting the local community and it felt wonderful to be part of something that will hopefully make a real difference."

The murals have also been made possible thanks to the generosity of Dulux parent company Akzo Nobel, which donated the paint used throughout the project.

Over a two-week period, Tom has been carefully transforming the centre, beginning with misty background colours before adding the intricate finishing touches, including leaves and woodland details that complete the nature-themed design.

For the charity, the murals represent far more than decoration. They reflect its vision of creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued and able to flourish.

"We wanted our new centre to feel like a place where children can feel welcome and at ease," said Karen Woolford, Operations Manager.

"Tom immediately understood that vision and has created something truly special. His artwork transforms the building into a welcoming, therapeutic space that reflects the care children and families receive here every day."

Tom hopes the murals will leave a lasting legacy for the hundreds of children and families who will visit the centre in years to come.

"I'm just happy to be able to give something back," he said. "If my artwork helps children feel calmer, happier or simply makes them smile, then it's all been worthwhile. Anything is possible with paint and creativity."