An Ipswich-based graphic designer has captured landmarks of Suffolk in a piece of artwork for a town centre firm.

East Anglian Daily Times: The new local artwork at Ryans Insurance in Ipswich. Artist, Richard Wendt (left), Tim Larke (Director) and Tracy Healey (marketing manager).The new local artwork at Ryans Insurance in Ipswich. Artist, Richard Wendt (left), Tim Larke (Director) and Tracy Healey (marketing manager). (Image: Archant)

Richard Wendt, 47, who was born and grew up in Sudbury and now lives in Ipswich, was commissioned to create a display piece celebrating the county for insurance firm Ryan’s in its London Road office.

The piece - a triptych made up of three A1 panels but which together make one complete piece - entitled Welcome to Suffolk features some of the county’s key landmarks including the Southwold lighthouse, Pakenham Mill, and Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich.

It also includes the county’s trademark Suffolk Punch and colourful beach huts.

Welcome to Suffolk was designed and executed using all local services, with Mr Wendt as the artist, mounted by MF Gallery and Framing and printed by Reed Digital.

It was unveiled in Ryan’s reception area on Friday.

Speaking this week, Mr Wendt said: “The piece had the promotion of Suffolk in mind from the start.

“Ryan’s wanted to use a local artist to produce scenes that highlight the positive sites and history of Suffolk.

“Anybody who wasn’t familiar with the Suffolk would be able to understand a little more of what Suffolk is has to offer...to introduce people to the delights of the area in a very visual way.

“Also, Ryans’s actually insure some of the iconic building’s featured, such as The House in the Clouds.

“The unveiling went really well and without a hitch.

“We tried to pick landmarks and scenes of Suffolk that really celebrate the county. Suffolk has so much tradition, history, heritage, diversity and youthfulness, but sometimes I think we sell ourselves short.

“It’s all hand drawn and I try to blend traditional techniques with modern digital ones.”

Director at Ryan’s, Tim Larke, said: “When we undertook the project of renovating our reception area we were left with a large white space behind the desk.

“We wanted to fill it with an eye catching image that showed off Ipswich or Suffolk in a positive way and act as a conversation starter.

“We have a lot of visitors from all over the UK that may only see the A14 or A12 and the short journey to our office.

“Whilst we were looking for inspiration I spotted some of Richard’s work hanging in a local coffee shop.

“I knew he could come up with something that we were looking for.

“We loved his style and presentation, together we chose a number of iconic landmarks to form three original pieces that work together and truly show the very best of Suffolk.

“We are thrilled with the final pieces and they have already proved to be a fantastic talking point for our visitors.”