A striking 70-metre mural transforming a wall near Longton Railway Station has been unveiled by local artist Rob Fenton. The artwork was designed using memories and stories shared by the local community and brings together the landmarks, industries, people and moments that have shaped Longton.
The mural features references to Longton's past and present, including the Gladstone Pottery Museum, the railway bridge and Shelley's Laserdome. Historic figures depicted in the design include pottery manufacturer John Aynsley, philanthropist the Duchess of Sutherland and Longton's first female mayor, Florence Farmer, alongside the potters, miners and market traders whose work built the town.
Funding and purpose
The mural is funded through the Government's Design Out Crime programme and is intended to create a more welcoming environment in this part of the town centre and encourage positive use of the area.
Wider regeneration investment
The mural forms part of a wider £1.9 million programme of improvements in Longton town centre. Work is underway to create a new public space outside the Town Hall, alongside improvements to transport infrastructure and the wider public realm. The investment is supported through the Government's Community Regeneration Partnership, Bus Service Improvement Plan and Transforming Cities Fund programmes. The project has also been supported by Tesco, Next and Argos.
Artist's approach
Rob Fenton said the design pays homage to the people of Longton, with key historical figures and the town's people shown as central to the work. The colours used in the mural were derived from a heritage colour palette, with green representing Longton's stringed bridge linked to industry, blue tied to the town's people and social history, and burgundy red associated with formal and civic elements.