Preston’s growing trail of murals will see work start next in Lune Street and Friargate following the completion of the new ‘Northern’ design.
A council-backed project to bring empty shopfronts into a colourful new use sees city artists and designers David Robinson and Shawn Sharpe combine their talents alongside other city creatives.
Six new large-scale murals are being painted over the summer by Shawn who has carved out a position as the city’s chief mural artist since ‘Mother’ caught the eyes in Church Street in 2023.
Read more: ‘My pocket’s full of sky’ meaning behind new Preston mural revealed
As well as the works on Lune Street and Friargate, other empty properties in Lancaster Road, the Flag Market and Fishergate will get the mural treatment.
Shawn will soon be starting work on Lancashire Born & Bred in Friargate and Proud to be from Preston in Lune Street which will ‘bring together some of the county’s most recognisable figures alongside the landscapes and landmarks that helped shape them’.
David Robinson, who has created many illustrations featuring the city over the years, said: “I’ve always believed that where we’re from becomes part of who we are. These pieces are about celebrating that relationship – showing how Lancashire and Preston have helped shape some incredible people, while also celebrating the places that have shaped all of us.
“Working on these has been a real privilege. As someone born and raised here, it gave me the chance to celebrate the county and city that inspired me. Lancashire has such a rich history of creativity, innovation and resilience, and I wanted to create something that reflects that pride.
“I loved working with Shawn, an artist’s day to day working life can usually be quite solitary, so to be able to meet, plot and discuss what we could with the shop fronts was great, especially as we share a love for our home town.
“In Preston certainly I am probably known for my architectural pieces celebrating local landmarks, Shawn jokingly mentioned he was getting tired of painting people, and I had a similar feeling about always drawing buildings so we felt this was an opportunity for us both to do something a bit different and out of our comfort zones.
“Throughout the artworks, familiar landmarks sit alongside famous faces, creating visual stories filled with hidden details and references. In one piece, Sir Ian McKellen (born in Burnley) appears beside the iconic Singing Ringing Tree, complete with a subtle nod to one of his most celebrated film roles. Similar “Easter eggs” appear throughout the collections, rewarding viewers who take a closer look and recognise the connections.
“The collections feature an eclectic mix of actors, musicians, sports stars, innovators and cultural icons, celebrating the diversity of talent that has emerged from Lancashire over the generations.”
Shawn, who has spoken to Blog Preston last week during the ‘Northern’ painting about how this is likely to be his last major public art project in the city for some time as he hangs up the paint cans, said: “This project is about much more than painting walls. It’s about creating something that people can feel proud of. I was keen for this to be a collaborative project, so I invited fellow Preston artist Secret Industries to create the design for the first mural. It reflects the creativity that’s already here in our city and sets the tone for what’s to come. Across the trail, the themes of Lancashire and connectivity will encourage people to explore Preston in a new way, discover different parts of the city, and celebrate the stories that connect us. I hope these murals become landmarks that residents are proud of and visitors remember long after they’ve left.
“Northern’ isn’t just a location, it’s an identity. It can be a place, a feeling, or the way we express ourselves. That’s what this mural represents. Bringing fellow Preston artist Secret Industries into the project for the first design was important to me because this is about showcasing the creativity that already exists in our city. I hope people see themselves reflected in the work and that it inspires them to explore the rest of the trail and celebrate what makes Preston unique.”
Funding for the empty shops murals has come from Preston City Council via the city’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with a council spokesperson confirming the murals project was costing £35,000.
Cabinet member for culture and arts at the Labour-run local authority, councillor Anna Hindle, said: “These murals are a fantastic addition to Preston city centre, celebrating our Lancashire heritage while creating wonderful bright, artistic spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. It’s great to see local artists bringing creativity and character to the city through this exciting new trail.
“By providing a vibrant looking city centre, we hope to attract visitors and new businesses and make steps to reduce anti-social behaviour.”
Once all the murals are complete they will be ‘officially opened’ by the Mayor of Preston, councillor Nweeda Khan, in a civic ceremony.
The city council said ‘private landlords have come on board to support the project and provided permission for the artwork to be installed on their premises’.
It is hoped the murals will ‘encourage other landlords to work with the council and partners to improve the look of their shops.’
Preston’s Business Improvement District boss, Mark Whittle, which exists to promote city centre businesses, said: “These exciting additions to the city’s public art trail are a great example of collaboration helping to transform aspects of the city centre, creating more attractive spaces that people want to spend time in.
“The support from local artists, landlords, businesses and partners shows what can be achieved when we work together with a shared ambition to make Preston a more welcoming place.
“We hope that these pieces of art become landmarks in their own right, until more permanent uses are identified for the sites, inspiring further investment and improvements across our high streets.”
