09 Apr 2026
Worcestershire artist brings vision of Blackthorn to life through bespoke commission
We’re excited to announce that we have partnered with a local artist at our Blackthorn collection in Crowle, near Worcester.
The artist, John Horton, has lived in the village for over 50 years and we were able to commission him to produce a large-scale watercolour, bringing the new community to life.
Having spent decades painting local landscapes and building a successful studio following his retirement, John’s deep-rooted connection to Crowle made him a natural choice for the project.
Speaking about the project, John said:
“I was born and bred here, so being asked to paint a vision of Crowle’s future was incredibly special. The locality means a great deal to me, and I’ve always enjoyed capturing its character through my work.”
Working in his preferred medium of watercolour, John undertook the project over the course of three weeks, producing a piece significantly larger than his typical work.
He continued:
“It was a challenge in terms of scale, but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Watercolour allows you to create atmosphere and softness, which suited the subject perfectly.
“It’s always satisfying when a piece comes together, and this one has been particularly rewarding because of its connection to the place.”
Blackthorn forms part of our Bespoke Collection and features a carefully curated mix of 30 design-led homes, with architecture inspired by the surrounding countryside. The collection incorporates traditional materials such as thatched roofs, multi-tonal brickwork and timber detailing to ensure it sits comfortably within its rural setting.
Commenting on the collaboration, Matt Vincent, Operations Director at Spitfire Homes, said:
“Partnering with a local artist like John was something that was very important to us. We’re committed to supporting and integrating with the communities that we build, so we’re very proud to have seized this opportunity to spotlight a local artist so embedded in the community of Crowle. His ability to capture the character of the village has resulted in a piece that truly reflects both the spirit of the area and the vision for Blackthorn.”
For John, the project represents a meaningful intersection between art, community and change. He added:
“Having seen the village evolve over many years, it’s fascinating to be part of something that reflects its next chapter. I hope the painting helps people connect with that vision and feel excited about what’s to come.”
The first homes at Blackthorn are now available. For more information or to arrange a viewing, visit: