The design for the city’s latest mural by well-known local artist Rob Fenton has been unveiled.
The 70-metre artwork, which is transforming a wall near Longton Railway Station, was inspired by memories and stories shared by the local community.
The design brings together the landmarks, industries, people and moments that have shaped Longton - from its pottery and mining heritage to its architecture, music and community spirit.
Funded through the Government’s Design Out Crime programme, the mural will transform a blank wall into a piece of public art shaped by the community.
It is design to create a more welcoming environment in this part of the town centre and encourage positive use of the area.
Packed with references to the town’s past and present, the mural features familiar landmarks such as Gladstone Pottery Museum, the railway bridge and Shelley’s Laserdome.
Historic figures including pottery manufacturer John Aynsley, philanthropist the Duchess of Sutherland and Longton’s first female mayor, Florence Farmer, appear alongside the potters, miners and market traders whose work helped build the town.
The mural forms part of a wider £1.9 million programme of improvements in Longton town centre. Work is underway to create a new public space outside the Town Hall, alongside improvements to transport infrastructure and the wider public realm.
The investment is being supported through the Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership, Bus Service Improvement Plan and Transforming Cities Fund programmes.
The project has also been supported by Tesco, Next and Argos, whose cooperation has helped make improvements to this part of Longton town centre possible.
Sheila Cowell, Chair of the Longton Community Partnership and Project Manager at Bloomin’ Longton, said the design reflected the pride local people have in their town and the memories shared by the community throughout the project.
Charlotte Eccles, Community Rail Partnership Officer at North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership, said the project demonstrated the value of organisations working together to improve Longton town centre, its accessibility and the experience for residents and visitors.
Artist Rob Fenton said: “I'm incredibly honoured to have been asked to create such a meaningful set of designs.
“An important aspect of this particular mural design is to pay homage to the people of Longton, and therefore, I have intended to highlight key figures from throughout the town's history, alongside interweaving the stories of the town's people, showing them constantly at the forefront - after all, what's a town without its people?
“The colours derived from the Heritage colour palette have been carefully considered too. For example, the green of Longton's stringed bridge, linked to industry and heavy infrastructure; the blue, tied to the town's people and social history; and the burgundy red, associated in a more formal/civil light.
“From the 'Ode to Longton' poem, I have included the line, 'The streets are lined with stories told of clay, coal and hearts of gold.' This is a slight amendment from '...of iron, steam, and hearts of gold.'”
Dr Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: "What I love about this mural is that it hasn't just been created for Longton – it's been created with Longton. Every part of the design reflects the people, places and memories that matter to the community. I am so pleased to see it unveiled!"
Councillor Chris Robinson, Deputy Lord Mayor and ward councillor for Longton and Meir Hay South, said: “When I first saw the artwork that Rob Fenton had done, I was blown away. It tells a story of the glorious heritage that makes Longton such a special place.
“Having worked in the mines and the ceramics industry, I was really pleased to see that part of Longton’s history reflected in the artwork.
“I think the people of Longton will be so proud of this mural.”
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Longton has a proud history and a strong sense of identity, and this mural celebrates both.
“This forms part of our wider investment in Longton, supporting regeneration, encouraging people to spend time in the town centre and creating places communities can be proud of.”
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