There has been a bit of a buzz around the streets of Chilton, questions of “what’s going on at West Chilton Terrace” and “who is responsible!”
The answer is Brenda Collins and her heritage mural. The mural, which was commissioned by local celebrity Brenda, and painted by street artist Jordan of Twenty-Six Studio, depicts images that evoke emotional memories and celebrate the proud history of Chilton and surrounding areas.
When asked about the inspiration behind the art Brenda stated “I’ve always wanted a mural and my dad was a pitman, so to commemorate him and recognise that I now live in Chilton I wanted the Town Banner and the Pit Head. I’ve grown up with brass bands, and my grandson plays in the junior brass band, so I had to have one and then we found an old photograph of West Chilton Terrace which just brought it all together.”
We are seeing a resurgence of mural art in and around Southwest Durham and other examples of Jordan’s work can be seen in Spennymoor which also focuses on the towns mining heritage.
The mural is now complete and attracting lots of positive attention but as always, the last word goes to Brenda “People have asked me, why not have it on the inside? And I thought, no, I’m going to have it on the outside, because then when I’m on my bike riding around or walking around I can enjoy it, but also the people of Chilton can enjoy it as well.”
Sue Reece
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
