Just a few years ago, there were no public murals in Preston – but now the city’s street art scene has grown so much that an interactive map of artworks has launched.
Artist Shawn Sharpe – who has created a number of impressive murals in the city – is behind the new map.
Shawn, aka Reasm, has used Street Art Cities, a community input tool for approved street art hunters, to plot out 11 artworks including a city tour.
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Speaking to Blog Preston, Shawn said: “Many people have been asking for a mural map for some time, or suggesting one would be a good idea.
“It’s crazy to think that two or three years ago we didn’t have any public murals in Preston. Now we have this interactive map, which has 11 artworks currently with more being added as and when.
“I hope the map gives people a reason to visit our city.”
Shawn’s most popular mural to date is Mother on the side of Hogarths in Church Street, which attracted extra attention after a controversy over planning permission.
Read more: Popular Preston city centre mural confirmed to be staying
“We have very few but very talented mural artists in Preston – Gavin Renshaw (TeaOne), Chris Dorning (The Cunning Craftsman) and myself,” said Shawn.
“It would be great to start inviting artists from around the world to put their stamp on our hometown as well.
“I feel Mother has been a catalyst for the culture in our city,. Thanks to Amber Taverns and more recently Preston City Council for supporting the culture. It can only grow from here.
“Please go out and enjoy the art in our city.”
Read more: New Preston mural set to adorn wall near Preston Bus Station
You can view Preston’s mural map on the Street Art Cities websites, or alternatively download the app.
In the meantime here’s a gallery of murals you can find around the city. How many have you seen? Which is your favourite, and what would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments.
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This story was made possible by support from you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, send details to [email protected].