Artist Vicky Hilton honoured for her creative work in bringing Rotherham to life

Her recent work has included leading on community murals in the town centre, Eastwood and Wickersley.

And Vicky, who runs creative group Artful, was awarded the 2019 Sheila Cameron Trophy by Rotherham District Civic Society.

The prize is awarded annually to an individual making the greatest contribution towards the ideals of the group.

Vicky was curator at the Old Market Gallery for about five years before joining 1915 Bar and Bistro — adding a huge mural on the side and setting up the Sorting Office Arts Hub in the basement with building owner Mark McGrail.

Civic society chairman Brian King said: “At the time, Vicky commented that it was all about the industries and the people who made this town, because if you don’t know where you’ve come from, you can’t know where you’re going.

“This view has been at the heart of the society’s philosophy in its long-standing support for Magna, the blue plaques scheme and our efforts to get the council to adopt a local list of buildings worth preserving.”

Vicky organised the transformation of the grim subways at St Ann’s roundabout, Eastwood, with Rotherham illustrator Katy Minns. 

They got youngsters involved and the resulting artwork featured a number of famous Rotherham faces and buildings, including Second World War bridge inventor Sir Donald Bailey.

Earlier this year, Vicky and Katy led a similar facelift for the Tanyard subway at Wickersley, this time teaming up with students.

Vicky, a community organiser with RotherFed, was keen to point out that the projects had been team efforts.

She said: “It’s massively important to celebrate Rotherham’s past in what we do. I don’t think people realise how mighty Rotherham was. 

“You only have to go up to Moorgate Cemetery to see names of some of the greats.

“All the projects bring a different edge. My favourite part is getting local people involved. It means there’s a connection and we’re not artists being shipped in.

“When we did the one in Eastwood, we included Donald Bailey, who was born on Eldon Road.

“It was great seeing the kids learn about what he did, how his bridges helped win the Second World War and they were excited to learn that some of them lived on the same street.

“Involvement like that helps people take pride in their communities... and stops them drawing on the art!”

• The society fears this could be the last time the trophy is presented due to falling membership numbers. Anyone interested in helping carry on such efforts can contact Bernard Fletcher on 01709 585311.