A new mural by local artist Shawn Sharpe has been officially unveiled at Preston Markets.
The artwork was commissioned as part of the 150-year anniversary celebrations for Preston Market’s historic canopy.
The reveal, hosted by local radio favourite, John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore, took place earlier today (Friday 15 August) inside the market hall near The Orchard craft beer bar.
Introducing Shawn to the crowd who had gathered, Gilly said: “Shawn has created something truly special that captures the spirit, energy and the heartbeat of the market.”
After a countdown led by Gilly, Shawn cut the ribbon to cheers from the crowd.
Watch on Instagram: Shawn Sharpe unveils new mural at Preston Markets
Asked how he went about designing the mural, market regular Shawn said: “Not so much research was needed on this one, because it’s all there for me already. I came and took photos of the canopy directly and used that as my inspiration.
“Everything you see – all the shapes, patterns, the ironwork – you can go outside, have a look and find it yourself. It’s focused more on the patterns and the abstract, rather than the people. Most of my work is involves portraiture so it was good to do something different.
“It was also nice to go back and look at some of the old photographs, and the people featured on the mural are directly taken from one of original images.”
The mural unveiling kicked off two days of Victorian themed festivities at Preston Markets, featuring street performers and a ‘best dressed’ Victorian costume competition tomorrow (Saturday 16 August).
Read more: Preston Markets to host Victorian-themed celebration to mark 150 years of iconic canopy
Meanwhile, Shawn was heading back to Deepdale to add the finishing touches to a new mural depicting the story of Preston North End, set to be revealed tomorrow.
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