Latest mural adds to town centre’s vibrant transformation
It marks the latest piece of public art bringing a splash of creativity to Gateshead town centre
A striking new mural has today been revealed in Gateshead town centre, adding to the area’s vibrant transformation.
It is the latest of several new murals springing up as part of Gateshead Council’s creative project ‘Off the Walls’ with design studio Electrik Sheep. The duo – made up of local artists Mul and Prefab77 – have been commissioned to bring world-class artists and their bold designs to the town centre.
It forms part of the council’s ambition to breathe new life into public spaces and shape culture for everyone, everywhere. With funding from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, the wall on West Street above St Oswald’s Hospice’s charity shop is the latest to get a glow-up.
Nearly 95ft long, the huge artwork depicts an atmospheric cityscape with rain-soaked streets and glowing lights. The man behind the masterpiece is internationally acclaimed artist Dan Kitchener. Inspired by cities around the world, his murals celebrate the beauty of modern urban life. Coming together over several days, his piece in Gateshead is no different.
It’s been amazing to paint such a big, striking wall right in the heart of the town centre. Like a lot of my work, this piece is about seeing the beauty in urban landscapes. I hope it brings those who walk past it a lot of joy.
We’re loving the fresh energy that Off the Walls is bringing to our town centre, and Dan’s contribution is a real showstopper. The murals we’ve commissioned form part of our plans to regenerate the area and make an immediate positive impact. We’ve seen the difference they’ve made in revamping areas elsewhere and we want that for Gateshead too.
When we opened our Gateshead shop last November, we wanted to reimagine the traditional charity shop, creating a space that feels bold, bright and modern. Dan Kitchener’s mural captures that vision perfectly, helping to make West Street a real destination. Our staff and volunteers love the striking artwork Dan has created and we can’t wait to see how Off The Walls continues to bring creativity and community to Gateshead.
As part of the project, artists See You Through It, Jaune, KMG, Flying Fortress and Broken Fingaz crew have already brought their signature styles to Gateshead. For some, it’s the first time their styles – loved internationally – have been brought to the region.
The creativity is set to continue in the coming weeks with more gable ends due to be turned into gallery walls, as part of the council's ambitious plans to regenerate central Gateshead.
It builds on the former G Scott Cars site’s recent transformation into the Railway Quarter’s newest pop-up events space, which has proved a hit with locals. Beyond the town centre, the council has also commissioned a separate project which will see public art brighten up local areas across the borough.
