An eye-catching art and poetry mural trail has been completed in a West Cumbrian town.
World-renowned street artist and poet Dan Ryder, known as Angry Dan, painted five murals on the side of landmark buildings in Cleator Moor to celebrate Cumbria’s historic importance as a location for artistic inspiration.
Angry Dan’s Lakes Limericks Trail has encapsulated the work of world famous artists and poets William Wordsworth, LS Lowry, Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and JMW Turner, who were all inspired by Cumbria.
Having spent two weeks creating the artwork, Dan said: “The aim of the project was to inspire the children of the area by bringing history, culture and local heritage to life through art and poetry, and highlighting how Cumbria was a muse for so many Great British poets and artists like LS Lowry, who included Cleator Moor in five of his paintings.
“We’ve enjoyed engaging with the young people of the area, handing out stickers and postcards to all the kids who have come to see what we’re up to, and it’s been wonderful to see their reactions to the murals.
“It’s been a really worthwhile project and I’m pleased that it’s really struck a chord with lots of people.”
As part of the project, Dan has held a series of limerick-writing workshops with children and young people at Montreal Primary School and the Phoenix Youth Club.
Dan’s work has been documented on camera by his friend and filmmaker Rob Key, and a premiere of the documentary is set to be held in Cleator Moor in the coming months.
Angry Dan’s Lakes Limericks Trail was commissioned by Cumbrian company Blank Wall Assassins as part of a programme of community events backed by iSH (Industrial Solutions Hub).
John Maddison, managing director of iSH, said: “iSH wants to help communities in West Cumbria grow, and artwork like this inspires families throughout the town. It has become a real talking point in the area.
“Community events like this are about bringing something different to the area. This type of project helps raise people’s aspirations. It has been great to see the community really show their support for the initiative.”
The buildings now featuring the murals are the Columba Club, Cleator Town Council building, a former takeaway and the Phoenix Youth Centre.
