Wallsend's Heritage Celebrated with Modern Mural
- intouch Magazine
- Jul 1, 2022
- 2 min read
Wallsend Town Business Association has collaborated with local mural organisation Up&Up Inspirations and It Stands Out
(Melbourne) under consultation with Wallsend's Heritage Group and the property owner to design a largescale mural on the side of local MP Sonia Hornery's office in Nelson St Wallsend.
Up&Up Inspirations were approached by the Wallsend Town Business Association, who had already spoken to the owner of the building with the idea to transform this large blank wall with a colourful mural. The owner's only request was that the mural represent the history of the coal industry in the area.
With this information, the artists approached the Wallsend Heritage Group Inc, which presented a series of photographs coupled with information related to the history of Wallsend. In 2024, Wallsend celebrates 150 years of becoming a municipality, and this is a modern way to honour one of Newcastle's most heritage-rich and proud precincts.
"One important piece of information communicated to the artist was that many people in Wallsend were disappointed that Peter Lewis's 1981 mural was no longer there. Peter's mural was loved by many, and his great work heavily inspired this design," said Wallsend Town Business Association Chair Wayne Rogers.
The mural was delivered under the City of Newcastle Special Business Rate Program, with additional funding provided by the Wallsend Town Business Association for completion.
"The advocacy of our Business Improvement Associations in engaging with business owners to activate their precincts is vital in supporting Newcastle's thriving business communities such as Wallsend," said Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cr Nuatali Nelmes.
"Special Business Rates (SBR) funding is used for promoting, beautifying and developing our business precincts, delivering innovative and creative projects that directly benefit businesses by attracting visitation and making Newcastle's local centres even better places to eat, drink and shop. Congratulations to Wallsend Town Business Association on delivering this wonderful mural project as part of City of Newcastle's SBR program."
