Eastwood street gains splash of colour with striking new DH Lawrence new mural
Victoria Street in Eastwood, has recently seen the addition of a brand-new mural depicting the author DH Lawrence, just metres from his birthplace.
Designed and painted by artist Nathan Bainbridge with some help from Ben Packer, the mural depicts a portrait of Lawrence alongside a phoenix in a stained-glass window style – a tribute to the cover of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, arguably the author’s most well-known work.
Completing the final touches of the artwork is the dates of his birth and death, coupled with a quote from Lawrence, ‘the living moment is everything’.
The mural sits at the entry to Victoria Street Car Park, just a few doors down from his first home on Victoria Street which is now the DH Lawrence Museum where he was born 141 years ago.
Nathan Bainbridge said: “It’s been a great project to be involved in.
"It’s been interesting researching DH Lawrence, his work, and his connection to Eastwood.
"We’ve had lots of interesting chats with local residents, and the mural has been well received.
"The sun even managed to come out for a few days while we were painting.
"Many thanks to Finley for his help on this project.”
Coun Teresa Cullen (Brox All), portfolio holder for health and leisure, at Broxtowe Council, added: “Art can make a world of difference to a space, and to people’s mood – as shown in the museum’s current exhibition, ‘Effect of Art on Happiness’ by Janet Shipton – and this mural is a fantastic example of that.
“Lawrence is adored by many in Eastwood and this street art will bring a great deal of joy to those people and indeed others.
“The piece brightens up the street massively, and it’s wonderful to have it so close to Lawrence’s birthplace – we’re so thankful to Nathan and Ben for creating such an incredible mural.”
This project received £5,400 from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Claire Ward (Lab), East Midlands Mayor, said: "UKSPF has been an important funding stream for local investment and I am pleased it has continued this year while the Government plans for its replacement.
"The £25m we have received will sustain investment into towns, cities and villages across the region.
“This will support economic growth, through both the jobs that support community-led services and the physical regeneration of our town and village centres, projects which strengthen local pride and make our high streets more vibrant places to visit and enjoy.
“It’s fantastic to see this striking new mural celebrating DH Lawrence in the very place where his story began.
"It’s a brilliant way to honour Eastwood’s literary heritage while bringing new colour and creativity to the town centre.
"Projects like this show how culture and regeneration can go hand in hand, attracting visitors, while giving residents even more reason to feel proud of where they live.”
For more information on the DH Lawrence Museum, or to plan your visit, go to broxtowe.gov.uk/dhlawrencemuseum