Heritage Mural Unveiled

After 2 years in planning Cradley Heath Creative group have unveiled a heritage painted mural in Fox Oak Street, Cradley Heath during this year's celebrations of the women chainmakers strike on Saturday, July 2nd, 2016. The large mural display on the Plaster of Harris building was created by local artist Maren Lilley and shows scenes from Cradley Heath's past and recent history, together with activities and places connected to the town.

Fran Wilde who chairs the town's local arts group led the unveiling ceremony accompanied by woman chainmaker Annette Bradney whose is depicted on the mural making chain at nearby Mushroom Green Museun Chain Shop.

The artist Maren Lilley (right) explained;

"It's been 2 years since the group were first given the opportunity by the property owner to create a piece of art in the form of a mural to add colour to the outside of the building. We came up with the idea of including local historically important places, activities and people, and our artists worked together with members of The Oaks Project to get the work completed. As I have experience of creating art on a larger scale the group asked me to lead with that."

Fran Wilde added, "Funding was needed to obtain all the materials necessary to complete the mural and that's where we are grateful to Sandwell Council and to ASDA Netherton for stepping up and offered resources to help progress the project. Local businesses also played a part with materials, advice and manpower, including Sign Wizard and RLC Properties."