Listen Live
Listen Again

Next wave of public murals to brighten up Morecambe announced

Monday, 11 August 2025 15:22

By Greg Lambert X @greglam72

The project began with this mural showing a seagull and the late 'Birdman of Morecambe' feeding pigeons

A new series of public murals is being planned to bring colour to walls and spaces in Morecambe town centre.

Artists will begin work this month on the next phase of a street mural project in the town, which launched earlier this year.

The initiative, funded by Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District), aims to celebrate local heritage, attract visitors, and create a more vibrant environment for residents and businesses.

The first phase, completed a few months ago, has already proven popular with locals and tourists alike, becoming a talking point and a welcome splash of creativity in the town centre.

The project debuted with a mural, created by artist Matty Green, just off Marine Road Central on the back of The Old Pier Bookshop building.

This depicted a seagull eating chips and paid homage to John Wilkinson, known as 'The Bird Man of Morecambe', who died in 2022.

The first artist to begin work in this second wave will be Lancaster's Abigail Hampsey, who describes herself as a working-class painter.

Abigail studied Fine Art at Newcastle University (BA, 2019) before completing her MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art (2022).

Her work has been exhibited widely across the UK, including at The Saatchi Gallery (London), WORKPLACE Gallery (London), The Holden Gallery (Manchester), Gallagher and Turner (Newcastle), and MONTI8 (Rome).

Abigail has received notable recognition for her work, including the Basil H. Alkazzi Scholarship Award in Painting at the Royal College of Art (2020–22) and shortlisting for awards such as the Beep Painting Biennale and the Jackson’s Art Prize. In 2025, she became the first recipient of The Rebecca Scott Residency for an artist living and working in the North West at the British School at Rome, where she spent January to March of this year. Alongside her artistic career, Abigail is also a painting tutor, a baker, a business owner, and a member of the Contemporary British Painting Collective (since 2023).

John O’Neill, Morecambe BID Manager, said: "Public art projects like these do more than brighten our streets – they tell our story, inspire pride, and give people another reason to visit and enjoy our town. We’re proud to support local artists and create a legacy that will be enjoyed for years to come."

Over the coming weeks, more artists will join Abigail in transforming walls and spaces around Morecambe.

Locations, designs, and progress updates will be shared on Morecambe BID’s social media channels, encouraging the public to see the artworks as they take shape.

Morecambe BID is a private company that spends money raised from a levy paid by local businesses, on improvements to a specific area of the town centre.

Each business within the Morecambe BID zone in the town centre, pays 1.5 per cent of their rateable value into a funding pot once a year. 

Read more: New 'pigeon man' mural launches art trail plan to brighten up Morecambe - Beyond Radio

Share

More from Local News

On Air Now The More Music Workday 10:00am - 3:00pm
Now Playing
Whatever Kygo & Ava Max Download
Recently Played

Recently Played Songs

Up next on Beyond Radio

Download our Official Apps