Street art
Throughout the Underbanks, you will find pieces of street art that reflect the area and its history. They were created by a diverse range of artists, and made possible thanks to funding from:
- The National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Totally Stockport
You can find out more about each artwork below.
Jimi Hendrix Mural
Artist: Otto Schade
This mural pays homage to the Underbanks’ musical past. It commemorates the gig that Jimi Hendrix played in the Underbanks. The gig took place in 1967 at the Sinking Ship Club, which was located on Royal Oak Yard.
Otto Schade is a world renowned street artist, known for his trademark ribbon style.
You can find more information and artwork on Otto Schade's website.
Garden Tiger Moth
Artists: Paintsmiths
This mural was designed in collaboration with Cheshire Wildlife Trust. They chose the Garden Tiger Moth as the subject to help raise awareness of this endangered local species.
It was painted opposite Robinsons Brewery for an important reason. The barley plant, which is used to brew beer, can only grow because of the work of moths who pollinate plants and flowers through the night.
Paintsmiths are the artists behind this artwork. They are from Bristol and are known for their stunning graffiti and street art. They also work professionally in other disciplines such as scenery painting and graphic design.
Shop Small, Love Local
Artist: Emily Flanagan
Located in the empty window arches underneath St Petersgate Bridge, this artwork pays tribute to the Underbanks’ history of independent businesses.
Emily Flanagan is a local artist, known for her distinct big eared characters, bold shapes and colours.
You can find more information and artwork on Emily Flanagan's Instagram page.
Underbanks Mural
Artist: Qubek
You'll find this mural opposite the Cracked Actor on Little Underbank. It features fish and flowers to signify the Tin Brook that runs below.
Qubek is a Manchester based street artist who grew up in Stockport. He is known for his large scale murals and is behind some of Greater Manchester’s best loved artworks.
You can find more information and artwork on Qubek's Instagram page.
Water Mural
Artists: Sally Guilford, Tasha Whittle and Anne Louise Kershaw
The Water Mural can be found on the steps next to the Queens Head. The artwork features wildflowers native to Stockport, which can be found growing beside waterways such as the Tin Brook.
The artists used a mix of print and illustration methods including gel printing. This helped them to recreate the style of traditional Victorian botanical sketches.
Within the mural is a poem inspired by water and the Underbanks. It reads:
running clear from
Stockport to the sea
we are the source
of the spring
you can put a well
pretty much anywhere
in Stockport
and life will come
from it
this
is where things
begin
You can find out more about the artists by visiting:
Upcoming street art
We're commissioning a second phase of street art around the Underbanks. You can expect more to appear in the area in the near future.
Quoted in Tony Naylor's article for The Guardian
Tom Ogden, Blossoms