Stanley shutters paint a brighter picture

A housing association has unveiled a series of colourful shop shutter artworks aimed at celebrating community pride and revitalising a town centre.

Karbon Homes has partnered with participatory arts organisation The Forge to transform five shop shutters on Stanley Front Street into vibrant murals reflecting what the town means to its residents.

The artworks were created by four commissioned artists working alongside community groups, schools and local organisations to develop the designs.

Local artist Lee Ferry collaborated with members of Silver Friends, a social befriending group run by Karbon Homes, to produce artwork for the shutters of Purple Dragon.

Lee said: “I jumped at the chance to be involved in this project, it’s something I’ve been trying to do for years as the positive impact of street art on a place is undeniable. 

“Working with the Silver Friends group to create a concept that reflects their Stanley has been really fun. 

“And getting to paint on shutters in my home town high street is really special. 

“It’s been a really fulfilling project and I’m very proud of what’s been achieved.” 

Lee Ferry showing off his artwork on Purple Dragon 

Artist Eduard Sacrest, originally from Spain and now living in London, worked with Year Five pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, creating stencil and spray-painted imagery reflecting themes of community and local pride.

Additional pieces were created by Lewis Hobson, working with PACT House, and Jordan Stead, who collaborated with both PACT House and Just for Women.

Tony Harrington, executive director at The Forge, added: “It’s been lovely to see the creativity oozing from the kids at St Joseph’s, and it’s been an honour to help untap that. 

“We’re so grateful to all the artists involved in the project who have worked hard to ensure the thoughts and feelings of local people are expressed in their final pieces. 

“Stanley’s had its share of bad press in recent years but it’s a brilliant place, with fantastic people. 

“People want Stanley to be more beautiful and the response from the public to the new artwork has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

The project forms part of Karbon Homes’ Fair Foundations programme, which supports community initiatives designed to enhance neighbourhoods and strengthen local identity.

Victoria Keen, place partnership strategic lead at Karbon Homes, added: “It’s fantastic to see this project complete. 

“Looking up the Front Street, it’s made such a difference. 

“It’s brought some much-needed vibrancy, and you can’t help but smile when you walk past. 

“The project was born from the local community’s ask for us to focus on improving Front Street through our placeshaping programme. 

“We’ve seen art used as a powerful tool in revitalising spaces and fostering economic growth, and by working directly with the community we've created a public gallery that expresses local people’s pride in place and hopes for the high street’s future.” 

Find out more about Karbon Homes’ plans to revitalise Stanley in our recent interview with Victoria, here.

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