First look at stunning mural that celebrates Padiham's heritage

Artist Chris Butcher has transformed a gable wall on Church Street, in Padiham, into a piece of art.

The mural, called ‘Up the Hill, is said to represent Padiham's industrial heritage inspired by trams that used to run through the town as well as its history as a textile producer.

In the artwork you can see two tram cars, with passengers on board, as they travel up and down the main streets of Padiham.

Chris Butcher creating a mural in Padiham Kevin Furber/Creative Talent Management (Image: Kevin Furber/Creative Talent Management)

Surrounding the trams are examples of textile work inspired by Gawthorpe Textiles Collection at Burnley’s Gawthorpe Hall.

The mural is said to be a testament to Padiham's proud industrial heritage, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices and hard work people in the town have made over the years.

Chris Butcher creating a mural in Padiham (Image: Kevin Furber/Creative Talent Management)

Chris brought the mural to life with the help of the Padiham Gable Art Project Steering Group including local businesses and groups, Mid Pennine Arts, Padiham Archives and Gawthorpe Hall.

Padiham councillor and cabinet member John Harbour said the mural has brightened up the town.

Rowenna Baldwin, Creative Talent Management worker, in front of the Padiham mural 'Up the Hill' (Image: Kevin Furber/Creative Talent Management)

He said: “It has been very well received by residents and it really brightens the entrance into the town. People in the town really appreciate how much thought and effort is behind it.

“Work has already started on the next mural and I can’t wait to see that once it is finished.

The spray paint used to create mural in Padiham (Image: Kevin Furber/Creative Talent Management)

“A lot of regeneration working is taking place in Padiham at the minute. Hopefully, Padiham will see more investments like this in the future - that’s what we will be pushing for.

“I want to acknowledge the team behind the artists and the part they played in the creation and design process.

“The artist spent a lot of time speaking with the Padiham Gable Art Project Steering regarding the design and what people wanted to see on the wall.”

Another mural is currently being painted in Padiham and is set to be unveiled later this month.

Another artist, Gavin Renshaw, will use inspiration from the Whit Walks and other traditional parades and events for his work in Station Road.

The murals are part of the Gable Arts Project, which aims to bring the vibrant history of Padiham to life as part of the wider £1.4million Townscape Heritage scheme funded by the National Lottery Fund.

Both Chris and Gavin have been researching the local area and collaborating with the Padiham Archives and staff at Gawthorpe Hall.

Cllr Mark Townsend, Burnley Council’s growth boss, said: “I’m sure this project will capture the attention of local residents as well as those passing through Padiham.

"It’s going to be exciting to see these blank gable walls transformed into works of art that reflect the local community and the heritage of the town.”

The Gable Arts Project is the brainchild of a partnership involving local residents and business owners, Burnley Council and Mid-Pennine Arts working together to celebrate the local heritage by building upon the town’s unique identity, and supporting growth and the prosperity of independent businesses.