Local research was undertaken through a mini artist residency in the area and workshops with the local community including Castleford College students, an archaeology and art group, as well as a pub quiz about Castleford. All of this helped gather local people’s ideas and inspiration to feed into the final design for the artwork.

The three panels depict different parts of Castleford’s rich heritage, from Celtic Queen Cartimandua to Roman and present day, woven through with historical local landmarks such as the River Aire, tugboats, a grindstone wheel, Castleford glass, the Castleford crest and a miners lamp, amongst others.

The mural been produced by Huddersfield born artist Cbloxx (Jay Gilleard). Cbloxx was shadowed through the commission by assistant artist Nat Hues, who, along with mentee Rebecca Feneley both supported the final painting of the artwork and gained valuable experience of the development process and realisation of a large-scale mural commission.

 

Cbloxx talks about their inspiration for the work –

“Buried under layers of 1970s constructs is a place that was an undeniable power house of industry, of pioneers, of hard working people, stomping ground for the Romans and long before them a myriad of Yorkshire based Celtic tribes known as the Brigantes – ruled by Queen Cartimandua. These farmers knew the richness of the land’s offerings, clay, sand, flat lands, water… cultivating deep connections to the surroundings and working harmoniously with its major assets, the meeting of several major rivers, these people worshipped nature’s deities.”

“There used to be an ancient burial site in this area, a full sized chariot buried with a mind blowing amount of ox bones that signify someone of great importance was laid here. This mural is about the underland, the mines, natural materials, trapped relics, of growing empires and industries, it’s also as much about a communities unwavering strength when industries are toppled and people are forgotten. This mural is dedicated to everyone in Castleford – those who tread the path boldly but frankly.”

 

 

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, commented –

“We wanted something that would bring the story of Castleford to life. And I’m really pleased the artist worked closely with local people to include their stories. The artist has really helped showcase the incredibly rich and proud history of Castleford.”

“This is just part of a series of improvements in our town this year. We’ll be improving our town centre. Supporting our high street businesses. Carrying out more work on the riverside. And helping people get around town better. People will see a lot of activity.”

 

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(Born 1983) in Huddersfield, Cbloxx (Jay Gilleard) is an English muralist, painter, and multidisciplinary artist. They became most well known for co-founding internationally acclaimed street art duo Nomad Clan who notably painted the record breaking Athena Rising, in Leeds, the tallest mural in the UK. Currently based in the wilderness of Marsden, West Yorkshire, Cbloxx resumed solo practice in 2020 following 8 transformative years touring globally with Nomad. Jay produces public art murals that attempt to reconnect people to their environments, honouring community heritage and local history.

 

‘Audacter et Sincere’ has been installed on the pedestrian link between Welbeck Street and Carlton Street in Castleford town centre. The artwork is part of wider plans to improve main routes to and from the station – Beancroft Road Subway, Welbeck Street, Station Road pedestrian link and Tickle Cock Bridge. Beam has managed the arts programme as part of First & Last Mile on behalf of Wakefield Council.

Funding has been provided by Transpennine Route Upgrade’s First and Last Mile programme.

 

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Rachael Blake, Sponsor for TRU, said:

“We’re delighted to see the project at Castleford progress, following the improvements by TRU at the station that will enhance a number of different access routes.

“This project is part of the TRU First and Last Mile programme, making journeys to stations along the TRU route easier. The involvement of local residents supports a key element of our TRU Sustainability Strategy; Working with Communities.”

 

Photography © Nicholas Singleton.