A “quirky” mural has been proposed for a wall in Starbeck that could see famous former residents, such as the 14th-century Duke of Lancaster John of Gaunt and Soft Cell singer Marc Almond, painted as if they are floating on teabags.
Mark Leicester, who owns a block of buildings on Starbeck High Street, said such a mural would liven up a wall that was formerly the side of a launderette and joins Camwal Road.
Mr Leicester told the Stray Ferret his vision for the mural includes making the windows look like car windscreens and underneath depicting famous ex-residents flying on teabags as if they are magic carpets.
He said he wants the artwork to offer something different from the norm.
“We’re proud of Starbeck. A lot of unsung heroes have lived here.”
“We’re trying to do something that isn’t just a landscape, we want it to be quirky and interesting too.”
The mural would be painted on this wall.
Read more:
- Council hopes to reopen Ripon and Starbeck Baths next month
- Sneak peek: Reptile shop to open in Starbeck tomorrow
Mr Leicester has asked local residents to suggest famous people who lived in Starbeck that could be included on the mural.
Suggestions so far include John of Gaunt, William Slingsby, pub owner Sam Smith, Marc Almond and Henry Peacock.
Colourful murals have become increasingly popular in the area.
Local artist Sam Porter recently finished working on a nature mural at Cheapside in Knaresborough and a fox-themed mural was painted on the iron bridge at Bilton this month.
Mr Leicester said his son, who is an animator, has volunteered to help with the design and he is in discussions with local mural artists that might be able to do the work.
He added:
“I want it to make people smile when they see it. And for them to see Starbeck as a nice place.”
Work could begin on the mural this summer.
