PEOPLE may have noticed a rather unusual display in the window of an empty shop in Church Street, Launceston.

Mrs Bee and Claude the cat, created by artist Chrissy Wallis, and sponsored by the Launceston Rotary Club, take centre stage as part of a town trail set up by Irena Slater-Jordi, who wanted to do one last project before she stepped down from the Launceston Chamber of Commerce in May.

Irena told the Post: “The project is a travelling display to put in empty shops in Launceston. I wanted to create a story and thought ‘Mrs Bee and the cat’ would be perfect. She is a retired lady, who loves life and is quite adventurous. Her cat is called Claude and he follows her everywhere. Every display would have a different back drop to give a theme.

“I invited artist Chrissy Wallis to work with me on this project, and Launceston Rotary Club kindly funded it.

“This first display shows the full moon over Launceston and the star constellation of the Northern hemisphere and she says ‘I love the full moon, it always fascinated me...perhaps we could open a virtual travel agents in town Claude, with trips to the moon and back. What do you think?’”

The display was made from recycled materials where possible. Claude the cat was created using layers of cardboard and papier-mâché. Mrs Bee was also made of papier-mâché and cardboard, with the addition of empty milk bottles, recycled fabric and wood. 

Artist Chrissy said: “Turning ‘trash’ into treasure is the very heart of my artwork. It is a truly satisfying part of the process of transforming a waste material into something of interest. Also I try to convey an environmental message ‘love the planet, care for her beauty, buy less, repair and share’.”

As it was the first display and the summer holidays, Irena organised a town trail with a prize for families in connection with the display and the first moon landing 50 years ago. Luca won the draw.

The display was in place for three weeks until August 9, and Irene expressed her thanks to Kivells and the landlord for letting them display Mrs Bee and the cat in the window. Work has already begun on the next display with Mrs Bee and Claude for autumn.