I’m referring to the splendid murals that have been created by Nathan Murdoch and his Street Arts Hire collective – Tony Nero, Stuart Payne and others.
We in the Civic Society have been very struck about how successful these murals have been. Let me explain why. Nathan‘s splendid artworks are extremely accessible but, at the same time, they are done with a huge amount of skill, local knowledge and a love for history, tradition, civic pride and relevance to today’s Peterborough.
This means that the artworks appeal to everybody, from the youngest child to the oldest adult walking around the city centre; from the person who knows Peterborough inside out to the visitor who’s coming here for the first time.
As an artist and designer Nathan has depth, skill and his work is full of meaning, sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden. As part of the tour he told participants about each piece of work, its relevance and meaning, as well as the technical challenges that he and his team faced on each one. One empty brick wall isn’t always like another – they have varying textures and qualities.
What is also so pleasing is the fact that Nathan’s work not been tagged or damaged. Any imperfections have been caused by natural wear and tear. Many other cities suffer from a very high-level of vandalism but not dear old Peterborough! I would like to think it’s because people really value Nathan‘s work.
Indeed Nathan has an exhibition at Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery at the moment – it’s on until 23rd May so there’s plenty of time to visit and no excuse for you, dear reader, not to go. I guarantee you will be really thrilled with the level of design, colour, detail and expertise.
The exhibition is free as is the Peterborough Positive street art map freely available from the Museum and other locations around the city centre.
Nathan has covered subjects such as Priestgate in 1908, The Beatles, Walter Cornelius, Priestgate, A Message of Hope, and even Cowgate cows, the last of which has provided inspiration for the name for a new bar that is soon to open opposite the mural in Cowgate – Tipsy Cow!
There are also other marvellous murals just off the beaten track. Hello My Beautiful People is on the junction of Cromwell Road and the Bright Street link road is a fascinating homage to Atiq Rehman, a local motivational speaker. The Stanley Rec/Park mural on the toilet block is fantastic and there’s even a huge indoor mural on the first floor of Queensgate opposite the Odeon cinema.
I could go on but, even as I write, I know that there are other projects on the horizon. Nathan is nowhere near finished, watch this space for further murals in and around the city centre. Nathan Murdoch – starman indeed.
On Monday 13 April at 7.30pm the Civic Society’s monthly talk is ‘The Great Fen Project: an update’ with Matt Jackson, Conservation Director, Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire,
and Northamptonshire.
Matt plays a pivotal role in the Great Fen project, a 50–100-year initiative to restore 3,700 hectares of fenland between Peterborough and Huntingdon. He oversees efforts to connect Woodwalton and Holme Fen National Nature Reserves, creating a wildlife-rich wetland.
The talk is at our usual venue of St Marks Church Hall, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2SN, starting at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome but we rely totally on subscriptions and donations, therefore we request that a donation of £5.00 is made, unless they become members of the Society on the night. Membership forms will be available. All welcome – see you there!
