It’s well known that our very early ancestors carved crude depictions into rock to document their lives and day-to-day happenings. Some of the earliest known paintings, uncovered in a cave in Spain, are said to be over 64,000 years old. Often depicting animals, hunting scenes, and handprints, these artworks represent early expressionism and graffiti in its purest form—street art before streets even existed. From this, expression took to our streets and initiatives like Bishop Auckland street art came to fruition.
With such a long and fascinating history, the idea that we, as a species, preserve our past on the rocks is captivating. This tradition continues to this day. Graffiti and street art are now more prevalent than ever. While the subjects and messages have evolved, the need for expression and the fascination with “getting up” remain constant. With the growing popularity of street art and graffiti worldwide, it’s heartening to see that once sceptical and hesitant communities are now embracing the concept, preferring vibrant street art over dull, rundown areas.

Bishop Auckland’s Street Art
Bishop Auckland has always fascinated me. I was born in Bishop Auckland Hospital and spent my teenage years studying art at the local college by day and contributing to the underground punk scene by night. The town has a cast of colourful characters, some of whom I’m proud to call friends. It also boasts a wonderful, rough-and-ready DIY attitude that reflects the community spirit.
However, Bishop Auckland has its challenges: a high crime rate, unemployment, and drug farms have marred its reputation. In the 1990s, the town’s lively and often dangerous nightlife earned it the nickname “Bish Vegas.”
The bottom end of Bish Vegas is where the magic happens. Two years ago, I was given access to some alleyway walls by The Smokehouse and opened them to the public as part of the “Bish Vegas Legal Graff” initiative. Bishop Auckland’s street art space allows like-minded artists to practise their craft and inspire one another. It has become a safe haven for practising artists and an outdoor gallery attracting visitors from across the country.
The Town’s Industrial Heritage
The truly fascinating thing is that this area was once the industrial heart of Bishop Auckland, where World War ammunition was produced alongside buses, cranes, cars, bicycles, and, most importantly, trains!
The connection between graffiti and trains feels almost poetic. Bishop Auckland’s industrial past and graffiti’s association with trains are inextricably linked—a symbiotic relationship destined to endure.
Stan Laurel
Although born in Ulverston, Lancashire, Stan Laurel spent a significant part of his youth in Bishop Auckland, living on Princes Street and attending King James School. He later became Charlie Chaplin’s understudy and eventually teamed up with Oliver Hardy to form the iconic comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy.
Stan’s journey from Bishop Auckland to becoming one of the world’s best-loved comedians is inspiring. His iconic bowler hat and expressive face made him the perfect subject for a large-scale mural for Bishop Auckland’s street art space.

Collaborating with Artists
With permission from the building’s owner (@TheSmokehouse) and equipment supplied by “Planet Leisure” and “Dale Robinson,” I enlisted the help of two talented artists: Michael Clarke of The Putrid Eye and Raven Nelson Flower of Sakura Tattoo, Newcastle.
Michael is a fearless illustrator, always ready to help the community, while Raven is a gifted portrait painter and tattoo artist with a talent for realism. With their support and the community’s encouragement, this daunting project became achievable.
Painting an Iconic Mural
On 16th July, my friends and I began painting a large portrait of Stan Laurel on the gable end of Chester Street in Bishop Auckland. Despite the 30°C heat, we primed the wall with mountains of masonry paint.
We chose sky blue and turquoise for the background to create a gradient that complemented the monochrome tones of the portrait while paying homage to Bishop Auckland F.C.’s “two blues.”
Using a high-contrast image of Stan, Raven traced the outlines, much like a tattoo stencil. Over the following days, we used Loop spray paint to bring the mural to life. Michael tackled the bowler hat with his fearless approach, while Raven added depth and shading to Stan’s face and hands.
What Now?
This mural is possibly our most iconic work, resonating with so many people, including myself. It showcases what we can achieve when given permission and the freedom to create.
Many small North East towns are filled with derelict shops that could be revitalised with art, and we’d love to help. We are keen to hear from volunteers who can assist with painting, donate supplies, or support us with funding. If you have a building to contribute to our cause, please get in touch!