Artists transform Eastwood subway

YOUNG artists have teamed up to transform an Eastwood subway with marvellous murals.
Artful Online's Vicky Hilton at the repainted subway.Artful Online's Vicky Hilton at the repainted subway.
Artful Online's Vicky Hilton at the repainted subway.

The youngsters worked under guidance from Artful — a group promoting community creativity.

Since May they have spruced up and sprayed the walkways at St Ann’s Roundabout.

Their murals feature famous Rotherham faces — like Donald Bailey, inventor of the war-winning Bailey bridge, who was born in Eastwood.

Elizabeth Walker, prominent anti-slavery campaigner of the cannon-making Walker family, is also depicted in the artwork.

Rotherham landmarks also appear in paint, as does a 1950s map of old Eastwood.

Hardware store Bunnings provided paint to the effort, while Frank Key Tool Hire offered generator rental at cost.

The mural designs were created by Rotherham illustrator Katy Minns, a Cambridge School of Art graduate.

RotherFed, Wildlife Trust, Red Cross and MyPlace volunteers lined up alongside the youths and other residents to help fill in Katy’s creations.

Mural-painting days have included picnics, music jams and live entertainment.

The project has been paid for using the devolved budget of Eastwood councillors.

Artful founder and project supervisor Vicky Hilton, said: “This has been a really nice mix of community and local businesses.

“We made sure that everyone was involved, so the Eastwood community felt that they were a part of it.

“I wanted the project to be rooted in local history and heritage, which has a wide appeal.

“It takes a dark, grim place associated with anti-social behaviour and gives it a really positive lift.

“Inclusion of local people has been key — I think it’s a bit insulting to just go and whack something on the wall.”

She added: “The whole thing has been so nice. People have been bringing us tea and sandwiches and beer.

“Lots of people have said how nice it looks. One lady said she hadn’t walked down here in seven years, but now she would.

“Another man said he can see it from his house and it’s really made him rethink what he knows about Eastwood.”

Councillors in other wards have asked Vicky about similar projects to brighten up unsightly areas.

Vicky hopes to recruit even more artists and volunteers, of all ages, to complete mural projects around the borough.

For more information on getting involved in mural-painting with Artful, email [email protected] or call 07979674014.

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