New painted mural turns Matlock ‘eyesore’ into work of art

A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town – transforming the ‘eyesore’ into a work of art.
A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the townA painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town
A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town

The finished 250-metre piece, which has been painted along Derwent Way, was unveiled before town dignitaries on Saturday.

Matlock Civic Association (MCA) Chairman Tony Symes said: “It has been a long process but we have now achieved the transformation from eyesore to artwork.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Between us we have created something of which we can all be proud”.

A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the townA painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town
A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town

For several years MCA had been seeking to improve the stark concrete wall.

Several ideas were considered but only one – the painting of a mural – got the seal of approval.

After securing relevant permissions, MCA commissioned Peter Barber, a mural artist, for the project.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Peter’s design in cream, beige and blue features the words ‘Welcome to Matlock, Historic Spa Town’.

A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the townA painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town
A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town

The piece comprises flowing oak leaf scrolls which represent ‘the meeting place by the oak’, which is the origin of the town’s name.

Matlock features depicted in the piece include: the bandstand; the former Tram Shelter; Smedley`s Hydro, now County Hall; The Crown, in Crown Square; Riber Castle; and Rockside Hydro.

The design also shows images of walkers, cyclists and eating places.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As well as organising the project, MCA has contributed one third of the £9,000 cost.

A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the townA painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town
A painted mural depicting the distinctive features of Matlock has been unveiled on a wall in the town

Matlock Town Council and Sainsbury’s contributed one third of the cost each too.

Mayor of Matlock, Coun Steve Flitter, said: “I hope the mural will give people a renewed sense of pride in their town and also encourage visitors to explore and experience what Matlock has to offer.”

County Councillor Andy Botham said: “This mural highlights some of the unique aspects of the area and has brightened up the gateway to our town.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in producing this artwork.”

Related topics: