BOLTON’S Covid heroes are being immortalised in a a striking mural being painted in Bolton Market Place.
The retail and leisure complex is to reopen the escalators in the former Debenhams store and has commissioned two fine art students from the University of Bolton to create a piece of art work on the hoardings to celebrate everyday people who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.
The mural, which runs over two floors, depicts the faces of Andrew Davenport, who works as at Royal Bolton Hospital and would spend time talking to patientswhen families were not allowed to visit at the height of the pandemic; Martin McLoughlin of Bolton Nice; the much-loved former Bolton mayoress, the late Gay Wharton, Billa Ahmed of Homeless Aid UK, Francesca Platt from Breightmet, Dr Helen Wall, Helen Tonge, who works in the hospital, and the late Manu Mistry.
All were chosen from public nominations.
“We were keen to decorate the hoardings in a way that reflected the people that have played an important part in in our Bolton community,” said Rachel Townsend, centre manager at Market Place.
“It seemed fitting for local artists to celebrate local heroes.”
"Fran and Mellissa have now completed six of the portraits and the results are a fitting testimony to these local people who have, through their dedication to the community, friends, family and neighbours added so much to local life.”
Fran said: “ I want people who see this to get a little bit of understanding what is happening in the town what people are doing, ordinary people.
“It would have been quite easy to come down and paint Sir Ian McKellen or Peter Kay — but these are real people helping out.
“I get a little bit overwhelmed hearing their stories.”
Mellissa added: "It has been a great experience doing this and we have had people come and ask about the mural.These are amazing people who have made a difference.”
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