Time for something a little different.
For those relatively new to this blog, before moving to Cumbria I lived in Preston for many happy years. It offers excellent transport links, easy access to local countryside, a vibrant city centre, a world-class university and more.
We decided to visit for two reasons:
- Lisabet had never visited the Brockholes Visitor Centre, a floating village set in a nature reserve;
- There was apparently a circuit of Preston murals one could find.
After checking out Brockholes, we made our way into the city centre and—following this website’s guide—sought out every beautiful mural we could find.
The art on the murals were incredible and the city centre was packed. Preston has changed so much since I lived there.
All photos taken on my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. RAWs developed in Lightroom, merged in Photomatix, and edited and finalised in Photoshop.
Preston bus station, one of the finest examples of Brutalist architecture in the UK and a source of considerably controversy within Preston. Personally, I think it’s ace.
The interior of Miller Arcade. Opened in 1899, it was modelled after the larger Burlington Arcade in London.
Our first mural of the day: The Mother , by Shawn Sharpe aka REASM . The symbolism of the lamb is often associated with Preston, which can be found on the city’s coat of arms, for example.
The next mural, found behind the Slug & Lettuce . The piece is called Mile 0/21 by Gavin Renshaw . It depicts the official start and end of the Guild Wheel walk, created in 2012 as part of the Preston Guild celebration.
The Cannon Street mural, again by Shawn Sharpe aka REASM. A more modern graffiti style painting.
The Station mural, by mural art pair Urban Gypset , featuring the Lancashire red rose.
The Northern Way mural, again by Shawn Sharpe aka REASM. The mural is a spin on one of Preston’s most familiar paintings, Pauline in the Yellow Dress .
The Adelphi mural, created as part of the pub’s extensive refurbishment in 2021.
A slight detour from the theme, but I had to nab a shot of UCLan’s Student Centre, a building that did not exist in my time in Preston. A magnificent building. It features a cross-laminated timber floor structure and supposedly the glass wall at the front is believed to be the highest single span continuous curtain walling system in Europe, at 13.5 metres high and 100 metres in length.
The Black a Moor mural, round the back of what was once the Black a Moor pub but is now the Lancaster Gate. Created by Chris Dorning as a reflection of, and homage to, his time in Preston.
Although not mentioned in the guide we were referencing, we did spot another Shawn Sharpe piece near the bus station, inspired by the lyrics to the song “Diamond Days” by Vashti Bunyan.