Stanton Hill's new mural tells a story of 'past and future'
Stanton Hill residents are delighted with a spectacular bespoke mural painted on the back of the Co-op in the village.
Commissioned by Ashfield District Council, the striking artwork celebrates the area’s industrial heritage while looking towards the future.
Bookended by the image of a miner on one side and a young girl on the other, connected by a railway, flowers and butterflies, the mural evokes feelings of pride and community.
The mural was designed by Nottingham based artist Anthony Donnelly of Urban Canvas, and hand-painted by Anthony alongside local artist Stephen Malcolm, from neighbouring Pleasley.
The mural has a special connection to the area; in the miner’s hand is a lamp that belonged to Stephen’s grandfather.
His grandfather worked at the local pit and it was important to both artists that it was included to ensure the design reflected a real memory that people could relate to.
One resident said: “I think it looks absolutely amazing. It’s so professionally done and it really says the culture of the area.
“Quite often Stanton Hill gets life behind so to have this here I think is amazing.
“It’s the history of being a mining area and as well what that area has turned into now with all the wildlife.”
Another said: “It looks really nice. It showcases our history. Everyone I’ve spoken to says it looks really good. It makes me feel proud.”
Residents said the mural tells the story of past and future.
A resident said: “I live across the road so my son gets to see it out the window and he walks past it on his way to school and asks about the miners.”