Gavin Renshaw’s first Paint Preston mural spotted on Boltons Court

Artist Gavin Renshaw working on his mural in Preston, Lancashire.

The first Paint Preston mural has appeared on the side of T. Snape Printers and Co on Boltons Court.

Created by artist Gavin Renshaw as part of a new street art project, Preston residents spotted the mural down the side street accessible by the side of Yates’.

Renshaw’s design depicts the starting point of the Guild Wheel in Avenham and Miller Park.

The first phase of Paint Preston includes four high-quality murals by a range of international artists to celebrate Preston’s heritage in locations around the city centre. The city will see more murals installed over the coming months.

Renshaw has produced work for Upside Gallery in Bournemouth, Withington Walls, BBC, Uprising Mural Festival, Blackburn Open Walls, Ribble Steam Railway Museum, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Courtaulds Gallery, and most recently, Shetland Arts before completing the Mile 0/21 mural for Paint Preston.

He said: “The piece is inspired by Mile 0/21, the official start and end of the Guild Wheel. Probably the best legacy of the 2012 Preston Guild was the building of the wheel, which attracts thousands of users each year.

“It depicts the East Lancashire Railway Bridge, which spans the Ribble and the Park Hotel looming behind it. Miller and Avenham parks are also a real jewel in the crown for Preston and something we should all be proud of.

“It is great it is on the T. Snape building, a business I use regularly and is also a real gem for creatives in Preston. It is only a stone’s throw from the park.”

Dozens of positive comments about the mural have appeared on social media.

Gavin Renshaw’s piece is inspired by Mile 0/21

Joshua Hincliffe said: “Gavin’s work never ceases to amaze me. An Industrial subject matter with a vibrant colour scheme to brighten up Preston. It’s the bit of history we’ve all been waiting for.”

Martha Gallacher said: “Looks fantastic! Preston needs more street art.”

Paint Preston 2021 is a collaborative project created by Ben Rutherford, Gavin Renshaw and Garry Cook.

Dozens of positive comments about the mural have appeared on social media

Preston Town Fund board supports the project as part of its Preston Pop-Ups programme, part of the Animate Project, aimed at bringing visitors to the city’s Harris Quarter.

As the project expands, Paint Preston are seeking more wall space in the city.

City centre businesses with suitable walls can express interest by email

Have you seen the mural yet? Let us know in the comments below