Wakefield Council have unveiled a new mural to brighten up part of Wakefield city centre.

Created by local artist Holly Greenwood, the mural covers temporary hoardings located outside Wakefield One on Cliff Lane.

The artist illustrates some of the Wakefield district’s urban features, along with elements of the natural environment, creating a colourful and lively piece of art.

Cllr Michelle Collins, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “This bold and eye-catching mural really brightens up the area and puts a smile on your face when you walk past it. It’s really nice to have a local artist creating artwork in their own city and giving us all something to be proud of. We’re really focusing on providing support for our local talent to grow and this is a great way to showcase one of our local artists and support their development."

“We’ve also recently included a gallery of murals from local artists on the hoardings for the Wakefield Exchange.”

Holly Greenwood is a Wakefield resident and has recently moved from a small home studio to work with other artists in the nearby Westgate Studios. She is a self-employed artist and illustrator and has been running her own small business – Holly Greenwood Designs - since 2019 producing hand painted, digitally printed art prints, greeting cards, stationery and textiles. Holly started her business after graduating from Leeds Arts University in 2019.

Holly said: “As a local artist, I was delighted to have gained this opportunity to work with Wakefield Council on this project. The design is based on the theme 'Urban Garden' and features iconic urban landmarks of Wakefield such as the Hepworth Art Gallery, Wakefield Cathedral and the Theatre Royal, nestled within beautiful local countryside and wildlife. The concept has drawn influences from the artistic perspective of Andy Holden, which delves into the realm of conservation and nature."

“It has been such a fantastic project to be part of, I hope the mural has brightened up the area and can be enjoyed by the people of Wakefield for years to come.”

The mural is next to a new public art installation by Andy Holden. His five bronze structures represent bird songs transformed into the shapes of their sound waves and is one of six major city centre public art works forming a new art trail from Wakefield Westgate Station to The Hepworth Wakefield.

The mural commission was awarded to Wakefield based artist Holly Greenwood whose ‘urban garden’ theme complements Andy Holden’s sculpture.