New mural unveiled in South Elmsall

A new mural inspired by the town’s past has been unveiled in South Elmsall.

The artwork, by artist Peachzz, reflects the town’s journey from its coal mining past toward a future ‘blossoming with possibility’. It is now on display on a prominent wall in the town along Barnsley Road (opposite Westfield Lane).

The mural depicts a young Roe deer resting gently among bright flowers, representing the young people of South Elmsall. Behind, you can see outlines of coal mining structures, honouring the town’s deep-rooted mining history.

To develop the design, the artist, Peachzz, engaged with children, young people and residents to gather local people’s ideas and local inspiration to feed into the final design for the artwork. Peachzz engaged with Carlton Lane primary school, 23 (South Elmsall) Squadron Air Training Corps, participants from South Elmsall Library including the South Elmsall Writers Group and Poetry Group.

Peachzz has travelled with her work all over Europe and has painted as far as the USA, Colombia and Mexico and has worked with people and companies such as UPS, NME, ITV, The British Council, Avanti West Coast & The Wildlife Trust. She has recently won best street art in June 2024 with Street Art Cities. 
 
Artist, Peachzz, said: “This piece is about holding space for both memory and growth. The young roe deer, nestled among blooms, represents the youth of South Elmsall, full of life and possibility. 

“Behind it, the misty outlines of the old coal mining structures still linger, a quiet nod to the town’s deep-rooted history. For me, the contrast between these elements creates a moment suspended in time, where past and future sit side by side. 

“It’s a tribute to South Elmsall’s journey, from the heritage of its industrial past to blooming into its present and future."

Daniel Harris, Area Manager at One Stop, said: “This mural painting is so impressive. It’s a beautiful way to represent the local area, nodding to its mining roots along with highlighting its wonderful wildlife. The painting will certainly be a piece of art that will be enjoyed by the community and visitors for many years to come.”

Wakefield Council and Beam, a Wakefield-based creative organisation, is managing the Crossings and Gateways mural programme. This is the fourth mural to be installed so far as part of the project. 
 
This mural project is part of the legacy of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024. ‘Crossings and Gateways’ is an exciting public art programme across communities in the district kindly supported with investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Arts Council England.

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.
 
To find out more about Our Year, please visit www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/our-year-2024