A project to display a 50-metre-long stretch of vibrant original artwork at the site of a devastating fire in Kirkby Lonsdale has been unveiled.
Building work on ruins of the old Market Hall on Market Street in the town has dominated much of the centre’s street scene since last December's tragic fire that took the life of popular local businessman Ben Taylor.
With the work screened from the public by hoardings erected soon after, Kirkby Lonsdale’s Chamber of Trade commissioned Ingleton-based artist Grace Metcalfe to 'help cheer up this very sad part of town' in the form of 'Market Street Art'.
Grace's inimitable watercolour style now depicts many of the town's well loved independent shops, cafes pubs and landmarks on the hoardings with all parties 'delighted' at the outcome.
"We commissioned Grace's art in April and put it up in three phases", said Robin Sadler, head of the Chamber and Chocolat shop owner in the town.
"We've had really generous comments, everyone seems to like it - we're really pleased with how it looks, it just works."
With the installation made up of around 60 panels of Grace’s original art, one particularly poignant section is that which honours the former GR and RD Taylor, the much-loved shop owned by Ben Taylor and his family.
On the site of where the shop once stood, the art pays homage to the memory of this cherished institution and the people behind it.
"Roger (Taylor) and his son (Ben) were very staunch supporters of St George and England", Robin said.
"On St George’s Day this year, Roger came and put some bunting down on the hoarding.
"So we thought it would be a nice touch to incorporate that into the artwork."
Grace, who holds exhibitions of her work as well as displaying it on Instagram and creating privately commissioned art, said that she 'really enjoyed' the project.
She said: "I started drawing the pictures in lockdown, obviously long before this came about.
"As an artist you're often working on your own so I've really enjoyed this, working with a team to achieve something, and would love to do some more like it.
"Hopefully it will inspire people to come to Kirkby Lonsdale to have a look, bring people to the shops and support local businesses."
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