New mural unveiled in Normanton
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
A new mural inspired by stories from the local community has been unveiled in Normanton.
The bold and colourful artwork, by artist Harriet Colours, is now on display at the newly refurbished Normanton Market.
“We’re really pleased to unveil this beautiful mural which celebrates Normanton and its local heritage.
“Residents, businesses, and community groups are experts on their local areas so it’s fantastic to see that their knowledge has helped to create this amazing new public art.
“It brightens up the entire building into a colourful work of art. I hope that every time they walk past, it makes them feel proud of the place they live.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
“Markets are at the heart of our communities so it’s wonderful to see how this mural has been so heavily influenced by local people and their stories.
“Over the past few years, we’ve invested significantly in our district’s markets - improving facilities, enhancing public spaces, and delivering an events programme that has been a huge success. So, it’s great to see Normanton Market benefit from this artwork.”
Cllr Michael Graham
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
The mural was inspired by Normanton’s railway heritage. As well as bringing in elements of nature to add a splash of colour.
The mural is painted using graphenstone lime-based paints which absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) through a natural carbonation process. This process helps to improve air quality and reduce a building's carbon footprint.
Artist, Harriet Colours, said: “It has been an honour to get to know so many people within the community of Normanton, to create this mural, and learn from their stories and values.
“And a pleasure to bring their voices to life on this wall, turning a shared space into a meaningful celebration of the town’s important rail history.”
Wakefield Council and Beam, a Wakefield-based creative organisation, is managing the Crossings and Gateways mural programme. It is the second mural to be installed so far as part of the project.
The murals are part of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024. ‘Crossings and Gateways’ will deliver an exciting public art programme across communities in the district. And provide a legacy that helps to transform places and celebrate the district’s unique heritage. As well as looking into the future.
Our Year – Wakefield District 2024 was a partnership celebration led by Wakefield Council. This huge 366-day programme of cultural and heritage activity took place in 2024 and offered people across Wakefield district the chance to get involved in culture and creativity, experiencing the positive role it plays in their community. Our Year and the Crossings and Gateways programme have been kindly supported with investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Arts Council England.
To find out more about Our Year, please visit www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/our-year-2024.
The mural’s installation follows recent improvements to Normanton Market, which was refurbished in 2023, as part of a wider Wakefield Council initiative to support local traders and revitalise public spaces. The investment has helped create a more welcoming environment, attracting more visitors and new businesses to the area.
