A new mural, ‘Welcome Home’ by Jo Peel, was unveiled in Huyton Village this week.
Produced by Heart of Glass and commissioned by Knowsley Council, the mural has come out of conversations with the local community and celebrates the evolution of Huyton Village over recent years, focussing on how they transformations have helped local residents.
Jo Peel, the artist behind the mural, is known internationally for her bold illustrative designs which tell the story of forgotten buildings in urban spaces. Her work can be seen in Brazil, Poland and Japan and in UK cities such as London, Bristol, Sheffield and Leeds.
Heart of Glass, who recently took over a unit in the new Make Huyton Village development, brought together Jo Peel and local artist Cathy Cross to engage local businesses, shopkeepers and residents in conversations about Huyton Village, to develop ideas for the mural.
Through a series of drop-in sessions and meetings, people of all ages shared their stories, many of these have been woven into the artwork.
The mural depicts the buildings of Huyton Village, including the old Mayfair cinema. Trees and plants symbolise new growth and new residents who have laid down roots in the area. Throughout the artwork there are nods to stories of family businesses and generations working together.
The mural can be seen on the side of Bexleys Craft Butchers, across from the new Make on the Corner space on Derby Road, Huyton Village.
Patrick Fox, CEO, Heart of Glass said:
“We’re so excited to be unveiling Jo Peel’s wonderful mural in Huyton as part of our ongoing collaboration with Knowsley Council. Throughout our conversations with the community we’ve been so inspired by their stories and commitment to this historic high street. We firmly believe in the power of art to bring us together, imagine new futures and create real change, and we’re excited to be part of the ongoing conversation for Huyton and the wider borough.”
The mural follows on from five murals that Heart of Glass have commissioned across St Helens and more planned for sites across Knowsley. This includes the Strong Women programme that will culminate in a large-scale mosaic mural to be unveiled in 2024, celebrating women from the borough.