MAKING THE MATLOCK MURALMatlock Civic Association (MCA) had been concerned for many years about the stark appearance of the 250 metre length of concrete walls built as part of the Sainsbury's development in 2007. Mainly alongside Derwent Way, the walls continue across the new bridge onto Cawdor Way - the access to the Sainsbury's store. Dirt and staining quickly made the walls even more unpleasant. Despite MCA's concerns, no measures to improve the appearance of the walls were being taken. The possibility of the Civic Association organising its own project was therefore explored with the relevant Authorities. Several ideas were discussed but the only scheme that was acceptable was the painting of a mural. This is the story of two years' work converting that idea into reality - a story of transforming an eyesore into new artwork.

The ugly, stained, stark concrete wall in 2014 - before the mural was painted

The walls are alongside the main A6 road which now bypasses Matlock Town Centre. Visitors to the area often drive past our town without realising it. It was decided that the mural's design should reflect some of the features of Matlock for local people to take renewed pride in their town and also to encourage visitors to stop and explore what Matlock has to offer.

Permissions were needed from four different Authorities:* Network Rail - because the wall was built to protect the railway line below.* Derbyshire County Council own the wall and are responsible for its maintenance. DCC is also the Highway Authority and traffic and safety considerations had to be borne in mind.* Derbyshire Dales District Council - the Local Planning Authority - needed to consider the environmental impact and would need to decide MCA's application for planning permission.* Matlock Town Council needed to accept responsibility for the maintenance of the mural once it had been painted.

MCA commissioned a mural artist from Chesterfield, Peter Barber. Peter has a national reputation and has painted several murals in Chesterfield (most recently on the end-wall near the Coach Station). He had been to school in Matlock so knew the town. Working with MCA, Peter produced a design which was used to secure the necessary consents.

Fund raising was pursued based on estimated costs of £8,500. A grant of £150 was secured from DCC but the decisive contribution was £3,000 promised by Sainsbury's. With this promise MCA was successfully able to persuade the Town Council that the balance should be split equally between the Town Council and MCA.

PREPARATIONIt took several months to secure the funding and the seven consents needed. In August 2015 work started on site with a thorough power washing of the walls. This was followed by application of algicide (to prevent a recurrence of the red staining) and a sealant.

Peter Barber power washing to give a deep clean.

Will Heathcote applying the algicide to prevent a repeat of the red staining.

Derwent Way with base coat applied

PAINTING IN PROGRESS

Transferring the design on to the wall. Painting the 'K' in MatlockPeter Barber assisted by Stephen Malcolm

The wording is 'WELCOME TO MATLOCK - HISTORIC SPA TOWN'

ADDING THE DETAILS

Scrolls and Oak leaves (Matlock means 'Meeting Place by the Oak tree') + the outline of the Bandstand in the Park

Cycling - one of the things to do in Matlock

Connor Brooks finishes off the details of Riber Castle.

Other features on the mural include the Crown in Crown Square, the old Tram shelter in the Park, Rockside Hall and Smedley's Hydro (now County Hall)

THE OPENING CEREMONY 7th NOVEMBER 2015

Pulling away the flag to reveal the dedication. Tony Symes ( Chairman, Matlock Civic Association) + Cllr Steve Flitter ( Mayor of Matlock) + Cllr Andy Botham (DerbyshireCounty Council) + Matt Bingham (Sainsbury's Store Manager).

Tony Symes (Matlock Civic Association Chairman) + Cllr Steve Flitter (Mayor of Matlock) + Peter Barber (Artist) + Ken Parker ( MCA's Project Manager) + Cllr Andy Botham (Derbyshire County Council.

Part of the finished muralBEFORE AND AFTER - 'EYESORE TO ARTWORK'

Derwent Way

Before After

Cawdor Way

Before

After

The dedication text records the principal contributors to the project.