A York artist is aiming to challenge stereotypes around graffiti by transforming a blank city-centre wall into something “amazing”.
Ben Walgate, 38, has been passionate about art for more than 20 years, a journey from sketches and doodling that eventually led him to graffiti.
With a portfolio of projects for local gyms and schools under his belt, Ben’s next endeavour would be his biggest design yet. He hopes to brighten up a large wall on Nunnery Lane with a colourful mural.
Speaking to YorkMix, he said, “Everybody at some point or another has been stuck in traffic around that bend and wouldn’t it just be nice to look up at that wall and see an amazing mural that depicts a different world or a different scene.”
“I think that would be so much better than looking at that plain wall,” he added. With a design already in mind, Ben’s keen to get started.
As a self-proclaimed history nerd, he envisions the painting to reflect by York’s rich past.
“I was born and bred in York and I love the history that we’ve got, whether it be with the Normans, the Saxon, the Vikings, or Romans.
“I think a picture that would depict going back through time and seeing how things have changed would look amazing,” he told YorkMix.
Ben shared his vision on Facebook, writing
“I would love to paint this incredible wall located on Nunnery Lane in York.
“I would love for the owner or a member of the council to see this post and consider giving me the permission to revitalise this wall. All I would ask is for the existing paint to be covered and either a cherry picker or scaffolding set up for access.
“Let’s make this happen and bring some color back to our city.”
Ben welcomed suggestions from local residents, with one suggesting a World War II theme, “I thought that was a really good idea,” he said.
The post received a large wave of support, with many commenters commending Ben not only for his creativity, but also for asking permission in the first place.
However, not all responses were positive. One concerned local wrote:
“Stick to your crayons and colouring books, why feel the need to share your ‘artistry’ with everyone else.”
Ben took the criticism on board. “I think those saying negative things were by far the minority. There were tons of likes and love hearts and shares. With every post, you get one or two people that don’t want it, but the mass majority was all in favour,” he told YorkMix.
As for the next steps, Ben hopes to get in touch with the building’s owners and City of York Council to make his idea a reality.
“I’d love to be able to do it and be able to think that I envisioned that and brought it to life, not just for me, but for everyone else too.”
Do you think this bare building is in need of a splash of colour? Or do you prefer to keep things as they are? Let us know at [email protected].
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