Preston artist Shawn Sharpe creates mural celebrating city’s Docks and textile heritage

The new mural celebrating Proud Preston along with the city’s heritage Pic: Loom Loft

A huge 33-metre mural celebrating the city’s Docks heritage and textile industry is to adorn the walls of a new home interiors shop and bistro.

Shawn Sharpe, who is behind the popular Preston Lamb and Pauline in the Yellow Dress murals in the city centre, was commissioned to create the indoor mural.

The mural was created in conjunction with the Preston Past and Present Facebook group members who contributed ideas about the Dock’s heritage and landmarks linked to the industrial heritage in the area and the city as a whole.

Featured within the mural include the Maxman nightclub which used to be on the Docks, the swing bridge, the No10 Victoria Warehouse building and bunches of Fyffes bananas which were a famous importer at the Docks.

There’s also portraits of a male dock worker and female textile worker within the mural.

Shawn said: “I was excited when Loom Loft approached me, due to the previous works they
had seen. When I heard the rough brief, I knew I wanted to incorporate the Docklands into the mural and pay homage to its rich history. I am unaware of any retail stores in the UK that have large-scale murals indoors, making it a unique space.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Loom Loft, giving me a lot of creative freedom and bringing the best out of a space where you wouldn’t normally expect a mural. I can’t wait for the people of Preston to see it, it’ll be the perfect backdrop to showcase what Loom Loft does.”

Shawn Sharpe has been catching eyes with his murals in the city

The Loom Loft Furniture and Interiors store and bistro is due to open on Thursday 25 April at the Trident retail park in Port Way.

Marketing manager Tracy Lemming said: “As soon as we decided to open our new store at the docks we identified a space that was perfect for a large mural and wanted to work with Shawn as we were familiar with his amazing work.

“As a company we pride ourselves on sourcing our products from Lancashire suppliers and manufacturers and so we were excited to approach and work with a local artist on our venture. It’s been a pleasure to work with Shawn and the final mural is truly spectacular, we can’t wait for our customers to see it and think it will be a great central feature and talking point”

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