Mural celebrates Arthur Wharton and Darlington's railway legacy
Darlington has unveiled a striking new mural honouring Arthur Wharton – the world’s first black professional footballer - and the town’s pivotal role in shaping global history.
Commissioned by the Arthur Wharton Foundation and funded through Darlington Borough Council’s Creative Darlington project, We Changed the World from Here was created by artist Dan Walls (Illumination Wall Art).
Unveiled as part of the S&DR200 bicentenary celebrations, the mural depicts the iconic Skerne Bridge - the world’s oldest working railway bridge - alongside George Stephenson, Locomotion No.1 and Wharton himself, who played as a goalkeeper for Darlington F.C. in the 1880s.
Born in Ghana, Wharton went on to break barriers in sport, becoming not only a footballer but also a champion sprinter, cricketer and rugby player.
His career was closely linked to Darlington’s railway heritage, travelling by train to matches and athletic events across the country.
Shaun Campbell, founder of the Arthur Wharton Foundation, said: “Arthur Wharton’s story is an inspiration that reaches far beyond sport. He broke down barriers and achieved greatness at a time when the odds were stacked against him.”
“It is fitting that his story is now entwined with the railway heritage that put Darlington on the map – a town that truly changed the world.”
The mural can be seen at the Arthur Wharton Foundation on Widdowfield Street.