Created by international street artists Hayley Garner, also known as Aylo, and Christian Fenn, also known as Seca One, the artwork draws on the area’s strong mining history and tight sense of community.

The artists took inspiration from conversations with local residents whilst developing the mural. Hayley said that “what stood out most wasn’t the mining history, it was the kindness. Everywhere we went, people spoke about helping one another”.

She added: “We came and looked at a few community organisations that are doing great things in the area, including The Beehive and the local church, but I think one of the things that kept coming back to us over and over again was the fact that the community is so tight. I’m hoping that the mural will put that across”.

When visiting key community hot spots like The Beehive Community Centre, hosting workshops at St. John’s C of E Primary School, and speaking to local groups such as Bloomin’ Mosley Common, Hayley heard tales and memories from residents such as the legend of Old Dick Evans, a story about a loyal pit dog, which now features in the mural as a tribute to the area’s industrial past and those who came together to save his gravestone.

Andrea, Chair of Bloomin’ Mosley Common, said that “the feedback from local people has been overwhelmingly positive.”

She added: “People have commented on the beautiful colours, depth and texture of the painting, and many are fascinated by the process of scaling a small drawing into a large mural. There’s a great appreciation for the artist’s talent.”

Bloomin’ Mosley Common applied for the mural as part of Made You Look, a wider public art project across the borough. The project has been developed by Wigan and Leigh’s Creative People and Places programme, Down to Earth, and is produced by public art specialists, Beam.

Hannah, Programme Manager at Down to Earth, said: “Art like this can be a powerful vehicle to bring people together, creating an opportunity for connection and a real sense of pride in place. From parades to festivals, we’ve delivered a wide range of events at Down to Earth, but this mural marks an exciting first for us. It’s brilliant to see this high-quality, accessible artwork taking shape in a way that feels rooted in community, giving residents something to engage with and feel proud of.”

The mural can be found on the side of St. John’s C of E Primary School, Commonside Rd, Mosley Common, Tyldesley, M28 1AE.

To stay updated with the Made You Look public art project, follow Down to Earth on Facebook at facebook.com/downtoearthwigan or on Instagram at @downtoearthwigan.

Images courtesy of Down To Earth Wigan.