Organisers of Wire legend mural hope to spread art across Warrington

Work has started on a mural on the side of the Kings Head pub on Winwick Street, which is being created by a Warrington artist known as Pinkeye99.

The Kings Head and Warrington Art Council asked for permission from the council to create the mural of Warrington Wolves legend Paul Cullen last year.

Warrington Art Council are now hoping to continue the project and help spread art across the town.

“We want this to be the first of many,” said Paul Taylor, chair of the Warrington Arts Council.

“It’s great to start initiatives like this in the area because they will start to spill out and help spread art across Warrington.

“We want to get to a point that no matter where you look in Warrington you can see art.”

Work began on the mural last week (Image: David Gillespie)

Since the building is Grade II listed, the application highlighted the necessity for planning permission to be approved before work could commence.

The mural will depict Cullen during the final Warrington Wolves game at Wilderspool Stadium.

Cullen was the first player for the rugby league team to have been born in Warrington, play for the Wire and become head coach.

The mural of him is being created down the road from the new home of the Wire, the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“I conceived the idea while walking to the pub on the evening of 14 last year, before the Wolves vs Wigan game,” said Pinkeye99, whose real name is Anthony Turk.

“Seeing the bare wall on the side of The Kings Head, which serves as a hub for Warrington fans on matchdays, it was clear to me that it needed a mural to make it interesting and showcase the sporting heritage of the town.”

Anthony also created the iconic Warrington mural, Pink Eye (Image: David Gillespie)

Anthony is also the artist behind iconic Warrington landmark, Pink Eye, in Sankey Bridges.

He believes that the location for his new mural is ‘perfect’ as it is visible from the train journey between Liverpool and Manchester.

“As you exit the station, Paul’s salute to the Warrington Faithful catches your eye instantly,” he said.

“Well-executed street art can attract tourists, boosting local businesses and the economy.

“It can also have an emotional impact and evoke emotions and provoke thought.

“When I will be looking back at the mural, it will take me back to that last day at Wilderspool for sure.”

Warrington Art Council hope to create a walking tour of art and extend the project across town and are looking for more artists and landlords willing to get involved.

To see updates on the mural, visit the Pinkeye99 page on Facebook or Instagram.