New mural unveiled at Stanley school
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Wakefield Council has unveiled a new mural at Stanley St Peter’s Primary School.
Created by Wakefield based artist Tony Wade, in collaboration with the local community, the mural depicts landmarks and nature in Stanley and the surrounding areas.
"This mural was inspired by the local community and the landscapes they see every day.
“We want people to stop and look at the artwork and be proud of the place they call home. It’s a beautiful mural that will be appreciated for years to come.”
Cllr Lukasz Borcz
Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport
Artist Tony Wade said: “It’s been a real privilege to work with the communities of Stanley to design and create this mural.
“The village of Stanley is full of beautiful natural spaces, such as Stanley Ferry Flash and Stanley Marsh, as well as an abundance of plants and wildlife in gardens and along footpaths.
“The 12 panels that make up the mural highlight those spaces and what can be found there.”
Michelle Wiggins, Headteacher at Stanley St Peter’s Primary School, said: "We were incredibly proud for our school to host this mural and to play a part in celebrating the stories and character of Stanley. Working closely with the artist gave our pupils a fantastic opportunity to contribute creatively and involving them alongside the wider community made this a truly special project that everyone could take ownership of."
Tony engaged with residents to create the new murals, through silk painting workshops with local groups, including Stanley St Peter’s Primary School (years 4-6), Stanley Library Mindful Morning groups, Stanley St Peter’s Church Centre and Stanley Residents Group.
Residents painted the designs which include imagery of landmarks around the area, natural sites such as Stanley Marsh Nature Reserve and Stanley Ferry Flash and river, and plants and wildlife the community had seen on their walks around the village and in their gardens.
The workshops resulted in 12 mural panel designs which are grouped around different themes including Urban Nature, Stanley Ferry Flash (Newlands Nature Reserve) and river/canal environments, Stanley Marsh Nature Reserve and Nature on our doorstep.
The paintings have been scanned to create 12 aluminium panels which are 1m x 2m in size.
The murals are installed along the exterior wall of Stanley St Peter’s Primary School.
The murals were supported by the Wakefield Council Community Grants Programme and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Seasons of Culture programme.