The Good of the Hive: Celebrating Whatley’s 21st Anniversary
In celebration of Whatley’s 21st Anniversary, we were honored to host artist Matt Willey, the visionary founder of The Good of the Hive project. This global art initiative aims to create awareness about the interconnectedness of all life on Earth through the medium of art. Matt has committed to hand-painting 50,000 honeybees in murals around the world, symbolizing the unity and intricate balance of all living things.
The Vision Behind The Good of the Hive
Matt Willey’s mission is not just about painting bees; it’s about using art as a catalyst to inspire thought and action regarding planetary health, sustainability, and harmony with nature. Each mural Matt creates is a vivid reminder of the essential role we all play in nurturing and protecting our planet, much like a hive depends on every bee to thrive.
Bringing The Good of the Hive to Whatley
From August 6th to 30th, Matt painted 16 bees on the wall at Whatley, each symbolizing the thriving natural ecosystems that his project promotes. The mural also features a variety of wildlife and plant species, including:
- Peacock Butterfly
- Honey Bees
- Moss Carder Bumble Bee
- Leaf Cutter Bee
- Mason Bee (solitary)
- Sweat Bee (Hoverfly)
- Adonis Butterfly
- Peacock Caterpillar
- Marigold
- Devil’s Scabious
- Corn Cockle
- Ox Eye Daisy
The mural has become a stunning feature, adding to the global tapestry of Matt’s work.
Community Engagement
During his time at Whatley, Matt engaged deeply with the local community. On August 15th, children from Malmesbury Primary School visited and participated in the mural’s creation, meeting the artist and learning about the importance of bees and nature. The Malmesbury Guides group also contributed by painting flowers on the mural, making it a true community effort.
Whatley’s beekeeper, John Stevens, spent time with Matt, visiting the hives and harvesting honey together, which was later enjoyed in the kitchen. This collaboration highlighted the tangible connections between art, community, and nature.
Community Gathering
On August 20th, Matt hosted one of our regular Community Gatherings, organized by our sustainability team, Sue Williams and Rory Fox-Evans. Members of local sustainability groups joined us to hear Matt share the inspiring story behind The Good of the Hive. He highlighted the various projects he’s worked on globally, including our very own mural at Whatley.
The Legacy Continues
Matt is now in Beijing working on his next project, we are incredibly proud to have a piece of The Good of the Hive here at Whatley. This mural is a lasting testament to the power of art to inspire and unite communities in the pursuit of a healthier planet.
For more information, please visit thegoodofthehive.com.
