First-ever Hartlepool Mural Festival is set to leave a lasting legacy  

Organised by Hartlepool Borough Council and led by renowned mural artist Lewis Hobson, the festival involves four local groups – the Northern School of Art, Hartlepool Rovers rugby club, Throston Youth Project and Thrive Teesside – each working with an artist to design and paint their own mural at sites in their locality, reflecting the unique voices, stories and history of the town.

The festival will launch with an exhibition of work by Lewis Hobson in Hartlepool Art Gallery from Saturday 28th June to Saturday 6th September, including a specially-commissioned temporary mural created for the occasion. Meanwhile, the permanent murals will continue to develop throughout the festival, gradually transforming spaces across the town and inviting the public to follow their progress.

The festival is funded by Tees Valley Museums Group.

A key part of the festival is its focus on lettering—how words are designed and arranged to be both easy to read and visually engaging.

Many of the letterforms used in the murals are inspired by historic fonts taken from old posters, notices, and printed materials made by the well-known local printers J. Procter and F.W. Mason. These designs help tell the story of the town’s printing past while the use of eco-friendly materials is a nod to the festival’s commitment to the future.

Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director (Preventative and Community-Based Services), said: “This is a yet another exciting ‘first’ for Hartlepool, bridging the gap between street art and traditional galleries and highlighting that art really is for everyone!

“The festival is empowering local people to take a leading role in designing and creating the murals, making art more accessible and personal and breaking down barriers, especially for those who might otherwise feel disconnected from more traditional art and exhibitions.

“It’s set to be a fantastic event, drawing visitors from far and wide, and creating some really impressive artworks that I’m sure will spark pride and creativity for generations to come.”

Lewis Hobson said: “"Since painting some of my first commissioned murals on the Headland, I've had the privilege of working across Hartlepool for the past few years.

“The support from local residents and Hartlepool Borough Council has been invaluable and it’s really rewarding to now undertake a collaborative project with Hartlepool Art Gallery.

“Each time I paint in Hartlepool, I uncover more about its rich history and vibrant community. The museum and art collections have been instrumental in helping us delve into this unique heritage, translating it into murals to inspire a new generation about their hometown.

“We chose to base the mural project on lettering and type, to create a connection across the different artworks. By exploring various forms of letter art, from graffiti to wood block printing, we aim to showcase the range of ways letters can tell a story."

James Turner, Chair of Junior Rugby at Hartlepool Rovers rugby club – where club members and their families are working on a mural reflecting the history of the club - said:

“"Everyone at Hartlepool Rovers is extremely excited to be a small part of this fantastic project. It presents us with a number of excellent opportunities to connect with the local community.

“The feedback from our members, both young and old, has been tremendous, showing their enthusiasm for the research and inspiration workshop we’ve already held. This initiative also allows us to engage with the strong arts base in our town and build new relationships.

“As an important part of the community fabric, the mural on our club wall will help us tell a small part of our nearly 150-year history, while breaking down barriers for people accessing our community club. We believe this is a powerful step forward.

“This project will add another dimension to our identity; alongside our existing symbols—the hanging monkey, the origins of the barbarians, and our own British and Irish Lion John Dee—we're excited about the mural initiative and hope to introduce an excellent piece of artwork that embodies our spirit."

Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Church Square, is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am – 5pm and entry is free.