Swipe across to see the mural take shape over the course of three days
A colourful mural inspired by an internationally-renowned artist has been installed at Macclesfield Station.
The artwork, inspired by artist Charles Tunnicliffe, will soon form part of a larger town centre art trail.
The mural was installed over the August bank holiday weekend and is the first of three new Urals due to be painted in the town.
It was painted by artist Megan Russell on one of the station’s lift towers, and can be seen prominently from the Silk Road as well as by rail passengers.
When it’s complete, the Macclesfield Treacle Town Art Trail will incorporate existing art installations in the town centre, along with the three new projects being planned for key routes around the railway station.
The new artworks are being funded by Avanti West Coast’s customer and communities investment scheme.
Charles Tunnicliffe
Charles Tunnicliffe (1st Dec 1901 – 7th Feb 1979) remains one of Britain’s most popular artists of the natural world.
Much of his work depicted birds in their natural settings and other naturalistic scenes, and he illustrated a number of Ladybird books.
His work was also used to illustrate Brooke Bond tea cards which were collected by many during the 1950s and 1960s.
Tunnicliffe’s work is characterised by its precision and accuracy, and the way he portrayed birds as they were seen in their natural environment.
The Treacle Town Art Trail
Cllr Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “The Treacle Town Art Trail will further raise Macclesfield’s profile as a creative destination.
“These three new projects are a brilliant way to inject vibrancy into areas of the town centre that are currently a blank canvas.
“Charles Tunnicliffe’s works are internationally-renowned and it’s a great source of pride for the town.
“It seems fitting that the first of these new projects is inspired by his work, bringing it to life for future generations.”
Laura Harper, Macclesfield Station manager, said: “We’re excited Macclesfield station will soon become a point of interest for the Treacle Town Art Trail with the installation of a large-scale mural, as we want to champion the people, places, and communities we serve.
“Macclesfield station is an important gateway to the town, and with the artwork inspired by a local artist, we hope it will provide a warm welcome to those travelling to or from the area by train.”
The mural’s installation took place while the station was fully closed for upgrade works, which were undertaken by Network Rail.
In addition to the mural, Avanti West Coast will be funding artwork along the station footbridge.
The company is also funding a set of proposals for nearby Sunderland Street, where it is hoped that retailers’ shutters will be used as a canvas for multiple pieces of artwork to increase the area’s appeal.
The council says all of the projects will help improve the area around the station they are expected to be completed by spring next year.
Further details will be announced over the coming months.
The full art trail will also include the recently completed mural of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, in Mill Street and bespoke kerbstones along the revamped Castle Street, which incorporate extracts from ‘A Love Letter To Macc’, a poem compiled from words written by Macclesfield residents to celebrate everything they love about the town.
Macclesfield Library
People who want to learn more about Charles Tunnicliffe’s work can find a collection of his published illustrations and books at Macclesfield Library.
