New Preston mural set to adorn wall near Preston Bus Station

A sneak peek of how the new mural will look near the Bus Station but Shawn’s staying coy about the actual design Pic: Shawn Sharpe

Preston’s mural scene is due to get a new addition in the coming months.

City architect John Bridge has moved into new premises in Tithebarn Street, opposite Preston Bus Station and is giving over a wall to artist Shawn Sharpe.

The new mural is being positioned as being part of the city’s ‘Harris Quarter’ which runs near to the new Animate site, Markets and Harris Museum and Art Gallery.

John Bridge told Blog Preston: “Having recently opened our new premises opposite the bus station, I was approached by Shawn Sharpe about creating a mural on the side of our office.

“As someone who is passionate about our city’s arts and cultural heritage and a huge fan of the work Shawn has already done in Preston, it was a no brainer for me to support this initiative.

“Commissioning art also supports third party businesses too, such SWAT Access who are helping Shawn with the equipment required. The mural is also supported by the building owner Jake Suthers of the QS Company.

“Alongside the funding secured from Preston City Council, I will also be personally donating and I would encourage local residents and businesses to support the crowdfunder as well.”

The current blank wall where the mural will go Pic: John Bridge

Shawn, who is behind the ‘Mother’ mural in Church Street and the ‘Pauline’ mural on the side of the Northern Way in Friargate, has been winning fans with his artistic creations.

He told Blog Preston: “I’m very excited to see the public back another mural in the city.

“I hope they have the same passion that they’ve shown my first ‘mother’ mural’.

“Thanks to the city council for backing the project and I hope to continue to change the face of our city.”

Shawn has launched a Spacehive aiming to raise £5,000 to help cover the cost of the mural – with much of that expected to come from the city council and Mr Bridge.

A spokesperson for the city council said: “Preston City Council is pleased to make a contribution from our allocated Arts and Culture funding to support the creation of another amazing mural in the Harris Quarter to complement the existing murals adorning buildings across the city centre. Shawn Sharpe is a fantastic Preston artist who we have every confidence will create another must see spectacle, drawing inspiration from the bus station and the surrounds of Tithebarn Street.

“Street art and visual culture is important for making people’s visit to the city centre special and memorable and this mural will provide another reason for visitors to come into Preston, stay a bit longer and support local businesses. We encourage support of our local talent and we hope Shaun can raise the funds he needs to complete this exciting project.”

Mr Bridge said there were no planning conditions around the mural – as the building is not listed.

This follows Shawn’s original mother creation becoming at risk of being removed when it came to light planning process hadn’t been followed in Church Street – but city councillors voted to ensure the mural remained.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.