Street Artists Go the Whole Hog: Houghton-le-Spring Street Art

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Three of the North East’s top street artists have teamed up with Historic England to create stunning large-scale murals celebrating the heritage of Houghton-le-Spring. On a wet and windy 22nd September, artists Dan Walls (Illumination Wall Art), Dan Toase (AKA Mr Skribz), and legendary graffiti writer Mr Eyes set out to transform the town with vibrant murals. Commissioned by FundAfest and Historic England, their work brings colour and culture to Houghton-le-Spring street art.

Bringing Art to Houghton-le-Spring

FundAfest organiser and owner Rob Cairns shared his excitement:

“Sadly, there are too many empty spaces and blank walls across the North East. The team and I believe we can use these spaces to brighten up our towns, shift perceptions, and restore local pride. Murals and street art can drive local economies, and I’d like to thank all the landlords and businesses involved in this project, especially Historic England and Houghton Arts Club, for their support.”

Houghton-le-Spring’s Mining Heritage Mural

Mr Eyes recreated the iconic photograph Last Pit Pony in Colliery No. 26, paying tribute to the town’s mining heritage. The mural captures the shared hardship of miners and their loyal pit ponies, working together in the darkness. The single light source from the miner’s helmet, combined with his warm smile, adds depth and optimism to an otherwise sombre scene.

With his signature style, Mr Eyes masterfully balanced light and shadow, even incorporating a sunset backdrop behind the old Houghton Colliery. Fittingly, the mural is painted on the office wall of Labour MP Bridget Phillipson, overlooking the former colliery site.

🔎 See more of Mr Eyes’s work on Instagram: @huntleyalfred

Houghton-le-Spring’s Wild Boar Mural

Dan Walls from Illumination Wall Art found inspiration in two key aspects of Houghton’s heritage: its stunning stained glass windows and the Gilpin family coat of arms, which features a black wild boar with an oak tree growing through it.

By combining these elements, Dan created a geometric wild boar in a stained glass window style.

“I loved blending these ideas—it feels like a modern-day coat of arms. I took some creative liberty with the colours to make it eye-catching. A solid black boar wouldn’t have suited a stained glass design, especially on the side of a beauty salon! The window shape also worked to my advantage, allowing me to avoid damaged sections of the wall and tricky high-up areas.”

📍 See the mural on the side of Tickety Boo & Vain in Houghton-le-Spring
🌐 Explore more of Dan Walls’s work: www.illuminationwallart.co.uk

Houghton-le-Spring’s War Memorial Mural

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, the Houghton Comrades Club provided the perfect canvas for a large-scale war memorial mural. Dan Toase (AKA Mr Skribz) had been eager to create a powerful tribute honouring the town’s fallen heroes.

More details on this mural coming soon!

These breathtaking murals celebrate Houghton-le-Spring’s rich history and revitalise public spaces, bringing art and heritage together for all to enjoy.

Contact us for more info.