Artists going big on history in Hartlepool
Town's first mural festival gets underway
An exhibition by Lewis Hobson, an artist famously at home with a large ‘canvas’, signals the start of the first Hartlepool Mural Festival.
Hobson, who painted his first murals in 2020 and made a big splash the following year with 10 murals on the Hartlepool Headland, was the obvious choice to lead the festival organised by the borough council and funded by Tees Valley Museum Group.
His exhibition opens on Saturday (June 28) at Hartlepool Art Gallery and includes a temporary mural specially commissioned for the occasion. It will run until September 6.
Meanwhile permanent murals are to be created at sites around the town by groups representing the Northern School of Art, Hartlepool Rovers rugby club, Throston Youth Project and Thrive Teesside, each working with an artist.
The idea is that they will reflect the town’s voices, stories and rich history.
Lewis Hobson said: “Since painting some of my first commissioned murals on the Headland, I've had the privilege of working across Hartlepool for the past few years.
“The support from local residents and Hartlepool Borough Council has been invaluable and it’s really rewarding to now undertake a collaborative project with Hartlepool Art Gallery.
“Each time I paint in Hartlepool, I uncover more about its rich history and vibrant community. The museum and art collections have been instrumental in helping us delve into this unique heritage, translating it into murals to inspire a new generation about their hometown.
“We chose to base the mural project on lettering and type to create a connection across the different artworks. By exploring various forms of letter art, from graffiti to wood block printing, we aim to showcase the range of ways letters can tell a story.”
In particular, the lettering has been inspired by historic fonts taken from old posters, notices and printed materials produced by local printers J. Procter and F. W. Mason.
While the designs will help tell the story of the town’s printing past, the use of eco-friendly materials expresses the festival’s commitment to the future.
Gemma Ptak, of Hartlepool Borough Council, called the festival “another exciting first for Hartlepool, bridging the gap between street art and traditional galleries and highlighting that art really is for everyone”.
James Turner, chair of junior rugby at Hartlepool Rovers, where members and their families are working on a mural reflecting the club’s history, said everyone was excited to be involved.
“It presents us with a number of excellent opportunities to connect with the local community,” he said.
“The feedback from our members, both young and old, has been tremendous, showing their enthusiasm for the research and inspiration workshop we’ve already held.
“As an important part of the community fabric, the mural on our club wall will help us tell a small part of our nearly 150-year history, while breaking down barriers for people accessing our community club.”
Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Church Square, is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.