April 10, 2019 3.27 pm This story is over 59 months old

Huge mural completed under Lincoln bridge

Fine work by James and Luke
The finished mural. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A mural celebrating the history of Lincoln’s Brayford Pool and waterfront was completed today (April 10) brightening up the area with an eye-catching tunnel of colour.

Work began last week on the mural along the wall at the Brayford underpass which leads from the waterfront into the city centre.

Artist and designer James Mayle, along with friend Luke St Clair-Pedroza, completed the large scale project on Wednesday.

James Mayle and Luke St Clair-Pedroza posing with their masterpiece. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The design is based around the reign of William IV.

Rollered masonry paint was used first before the wall was spray painted with James’ eye-catching design. An anti-graffiti protective top coat will be added to prevent any future damage or vandalism.

The mural is based on King William IV. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Luke St Clair-Pedroza assisted on the project.Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The face of King William IV is in the middle of the mural with naval officers also included.

James, 44, from Balderton near Newark specialises in spray paint art with his company iMAGESKOOL.

James from Balderton near Newark specialises in spray paint art. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

He told The Lincolnite: “It has been a super positive week with overwhelming positive comments from people of all ages.

“We both love it and it really comes together when you look at it from the other side.”

James is busy with work in the East Midlands and across the country, but always enjoys coming back to Lincoln where he previously lived.

James and Luke previously worked on a mural at Lincoln Drill Hall and also has his eyes set on another local project.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

He added: “The biggest question I am normally asked is are you Banksy, but here what I am being asked by everyone is ‘are you doing the wall on the other side’?

“It would depend on funding, but it is something I’d love to do, possibly with a barge, industrial theme.”

James will also be working on a separate project at a train station in Skegness later this year.

James specialises in spray paint art with his company iMAGESKOOL. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

He impressed the Lincoln Creates Fund panel with his proposal for the mural. The proposal involved working with a local business so James chose to work alongside The Royal William IV pub on the Brayford, who provided refreshments and even got involved in the mural itself.

He was given a grant of £2,870 from the fund which is a Lincoln BIG initiative aiming to encourage artists, business and landowners to work together on new, innovative visual arts projects to enhance the city centre.

The next round of Lincoln Creates funding is planned for Summer 2019 – for more information click here.