The Mayor of Beaconsfield, Anita Cranmer, and Mike Clare of the Clare Foundation have launched the trail, which features mosaics created by a local charity with help from schools and community groups.
They have been installed in Beaconsfield Old Town as part of an art trail designed to be explored on foot.
Creative Partnerships Beaconsfield, chaired by former Marlow resident Rhiannon Scott, involved more than 500 people of all ages and abilities in the creation of the artworks.
The pieces were designed and produced in partnership with mosaicist Maud Milton and her team at Artyface, alongside Buckinghamshire-based Melanie Mosaics.
Mike and Julie Clare of the Clare Foundation cut the ribbon to launch the trail alongside Mayor Anita Cranmer and Rhiannon Scott and Deborah Sanders of Creative Partnerships Beaconsfield.
Mike Clare said: “I’m incredibly proud that The Clare Foundation has been able to support this wonderful initiative.
“The people of Beaconsfield now have a beautiful walk that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
Developed through a series of open workshops, participants contributed ideas and decorated individual tiles regardless of artistic experience, ensuring each work reflects the voices and creativity of local residents.
Together, the installations form a linked walking route through key points in the Old Town, encouraging visitors to discover both artworks and heritage landmarks along the way.
The Tree of Life, located at St Mary’s Church, was designed by Maud Milton and created with contributions from a number of local groups, including the congregation of St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Primary School, Art Society Beaconsfield, AA, and the Toddlers Club, all of which use the Fitzwilliams Centre for meetings.
Individual tiles were decorated and personalised by participants before being glazed and fired.
Mr Clare added: “My sincere thanks go to Rhiannon, her partners, the artists, committee members and volunteers whose vision, hard work and dedication have made this project possible.
“Huge congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for creating something so special for the community.”
Following the launch, guests walked the trail, which includes a quiz and historical facts about the Old Town provided by the Beaconsfield Historical Society.
Mayor Anita Cranmer said: “History has been created in these mosaics.
“They record the rich past of Beaconsfield, the beauty of natural life, the power of spiritual vision, and the individual contributions of residents represented on hundreds of mosaic tiles.
“Generations to come will appreciate and enjoy these works of art and celebration.”
The trail incorporates two cobblestone ground mosaics created by Maggy Howarth, whose work can be found at Balmoral and Sandringham as well as in major UK cities including Livingston, Bradford and Swindon.
The Stagecoach mosaic recalls the period when up to 20 coaches stopped in Beaconsfield each day.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town was a key stop between London, Oxford and beyond — a legacy still reflected in the wide entrances of many High Street pubs, once used for changing horses.
Together, the artworks form a visual narrative linking the town’s past and present. The trail celebrates historical points of interest such as the War Memorial — one of the few in the UK with a lamp that remains permanently lit — and concludes with a plaque dedicated to the town crier, recognising Beaconsfield’s 300-year tradition of employing one.
A trail map including a quiz has been produced to encourage visitors to engage closely with the mosaics.
Copies are available at locations including the library, railway station, Waitrose and local cafés.
Rhiannon Scott, chair of the charity behind the mosaics and a resident of Marlow for 21 years, said: “It has been inspiring to see hundreds of people contribute their ideas and creativity to these mosaics. This trail reflects the spirit of Beaconsfield — collaborative, welcoming and rooted in heritage — and we hope it will be enjoyed for many years.”
