The Story Trail’s first addition— ‘Sweet Memory’
Amaze, your local charity supporting families with disabled children, has partnered with Wild in Art to bring you The Story Trail—a free, fun and family-friendly adventure.
Between September and November 2026, you can explore a city-wide gallery of more than 30 BookBenches. Each one is an open book, designed by a talented local artist and waiting to be discovered.
Brighton artist Ilona Drew has created the first BookBench, set to be displayed in autumn 2026. It was on display at Brighton Pavilion as part of their ‘A Very Austen Christmas’ celebration. We spoke to her about her design and why she got involved.
About ‘Sweet Memory’
Sweet Memory, her BookBench features iconic Brighton imagery, including the piers and the starling murmuration which occurs above them. Ilona was inspired by the seafront attractions. “The West Pier in particular is such a wistful, iconic part of the city.”
Both tourist and local alike will recognise the artwork featured on her BookBench. She has used bright colours alongside the landmarks in hopes of creating an “uplifting, nostalgic and peaceful addition to the collection.”
Ilona also noted importance in the “hand painted human element” of the piece too, with the increase in the use of AI in art: “it’s important to me to keep things real.” In ‘Sweet Memory’, she blends the use of bright colours and nostalgic landmarks. This creates a physical sense of Brighton, beyond the digital comprehension of the AI mind.
Ilona’s artistic background
Ilona began her creative journey at a young age, noting her artist parents to be largely influential: “Being creative is very much in my blood and it was a natural progressive for me to go to art college and university to study art myself.” She previously collaborated with Wild in Art’s Snailspace project in 2018, so when she was contacted about painting the first BookBench, she “knew immediately [she] had to get involved.”
Ilona’s previous involvement with a sculpture trail in the city gave her insight into the Story Trail project’s reach. She claims the use of sculpture trails offer a unique way of bringing artists’ work out into the world: “People love following the full trail and seeing how different artists use the models to communicate their style and imagination. This project in particular opens up so many directions for the artists, I can’t wait to see what they create!”
Both parents and children alike can enjoy the sculptures, and in the process they get to raise money and awareness for “a really important and special charity.”
Other Story Trail collaborations
Ilona encourages other artists to get involved in the Story Trail: “I really can’t think of another project that gets your work such satisfying exposure and raises money for charities.” Getting involved in collaborative projects like this builds exposure for artists’ work, improves the community and supports charities, and “you get to be part of a community of artists where you will form some really lovely friendships as well.” Applications for The Story Trail are now closed, but artists are encouraged to check out Wild in Art for future projects coming up.
Find out more
- Read more about The Story Trail
- To find out more about being part of The Story Trail take a look at our sponsors page or email us on Sponsors@storytrail.org.uk
- To explore upcoming Wild in Art projects visit their events page on their website.
