North Shields goes large with street art
Giant murals will make it a summer to remember for a Tyneside town. Tony Henderson reports.
A series of large-scale murals will bring blank walls to life in a Tyneside town this summer.
The artworks, described as “significantly sized,” will celebrate the character and colourful history of North Shields, as it celebrates its 800th anniversary.
The event is being led by Elevation, a local arts charity founded by residents and powered by volunteers.
Eight murals will be sited along the Fish Quay and town streets during July and August, created by artists selected from across the UK and Europe, with their works becoming part of a North Shields Mural Trail.
Last year Elevation introduced a ‘taster’ mural in Albion Road, North Shields, created by artist Prefab_77.
Another mural has also appeared next to King Street social club in the town.
In a statement, Elevation said: “Our ambition is to set a new standard for mural quality, drawing inspiration from a new generation of outdoor artists who have flourished thanks to the recent boom in street-art festivals. Our goal is to achieve artwork of the highest standard that fosters local pride and attracts visitors from far and wide.
“At Elevation, our mission is to transform North Shields into a vibrant canvas for public art as part of the town’s 800th anniversary celebrations. We have identified key local buildings with prominent elevations, such as gable end walls, to host a series of striking murals.”
Matt Wilson, chair of Elevation, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to local artist Prefab_77. It was a conversation with him in a coffee shop a couple of years ago that first convinced us that turning drab gable ends into exciting artworks wasn’t just a mad idea but was possible.
“His generosity of time and money helped us get the ball rolling.
“Since then, we’ve been really heartened by the warm response to our plans. Local people have a sense that this will be another big boost for North Shields, where the pace of positive change is now gaining momentum.
“Our goal is to achieve artwork of the highest standard that fosters local pride and attracts visitors from far and wide.”
North Shields resident Kirsty Ferguson, who will host one of the murals on the gable end of her Edwardian house, said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the exciting changes that are happening in North Shields. Although the mural will be on my house, it’s for everyone.”
The project is funded by the North East Combined Authority via North Shields 800, Stonebanks Investments, Karbon Homes, Adderstone Living, RW Mann Trust, with additional donations from art sales and local residents who have contributed to help bring the vision into play.
Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee, Sir Alan Campbell MP, said: “This exciting project celebrates the creative spirit and heritage of North Shields, as we mark the town’s 800th anniversary.
“It will leave a legacy of the celebrations in prominent locations around the town, creating an attraction that visitors and local people can enjoy for many years to come.”
The artists who will be putting their mark on North Shields:
Mul: Newcastle-based artist known for bold, cartoon-style murals featuring his signature Running Heart character.
Marcus Reed: Award-winning illustrator with a geometric style, exhibited internationally from Tate Modern to Beijing.
Anthony Downie: North Shields artist and set builder whose mural work draws on local scenes and theatrical design.
KMG: Scottish street artist inspired by Celtic folklore, known for vibrant murals featuring mythical creatures.
Ricky Also: Bournemouth-based graffiti veteran combining geometric typography with hidden messages.
Prefab77: North Shields–raised artist blending stencils, spray paint, and screen printing in bold, mixed-media works.
Nina Valkhoff: Rotterdam muralist whose vivid works celebrate wildlife and underappreciated animals across 15 countries.
Mark One87: North Shields muralist and founder of Newcastle’s Elements Street Art Festival, known for graffiti-infused designs.
For more information, visit www.elevationcio.com
We need a lot more of this, it makes the area much more appealing!