A new burst of colour and life has transformed the walkway running from North Bondgate to Fore Bondgate, thanks to a stunning mural by local artists Jackie Stonehouse and Lewis Hobson. Dubbed “The Happy Wall,” this vibrant piece combines the artists’ distinct styles into a beautiful backdrop of insects and flowers, inspired by nature and the rich history of Bishop Auckland.
Welcoming visitors from the main car park as they make their way to the market square, The Happy Wall is a tribute to the power of artistic collaboration. Jackie Stonehouse, best known for her contemporary canvases, crafted the overall design, while Lewis Hobson, renowned for his large-scale spray-painted murals, scaled up the image, bringing it to life in spectacular fashion.
Visual artist Jackie Stonehouse told us her inspiration came from Bishop Auckland’s historic comparison to the Chelsea Flower Show of the North. “I then brought the flower theme into the present day by acknowledging the national champion dahlia and chrysanthemum growers from this region,” she said. “I added butterflies as symbols of regeneration, and bees… well, who doesn’t love a bee? Our future depends on them.”
Lewis Hobson, operating under the name Durham Spray Paints, has made a name for himself with impressive murals across the region. His yearly Mural Festival in Spennymoor is all about making connections between artists and the communities they serve through workshops, consultations, and mural art.
“Mural art is a focused way of changing a space and can have a massive profound impact on a community,” Lewis commented. “I believe it can bring a sense of wellbeing as well as many social and economic benefits to an area.”
A significant feature of the mural is the yellow button flowers called tansies which are historically linked with Fore Bondgate through “The Midsummer Cushion” tradition dating back to the mid-1800’s. On midsummers day (21st June) it was customary to ‘dress’ a three-legged stool that had a coating of clay evenly spread on the seat. Members of the community were invited to press wildflowers, particularly tansies, to create a cushion of flowers. Young maidens would collect donations from passersby which were then used to buy ingredients to make tansy cakes, served with tea, at the Bay Horse Inn in Fore Bondgate.
The enthusiasm of artists Jackie Stonehouse and Lewis Hobson shines through in this captivating project funded by Durham County Council, celebrating local history and community spirit. Both locals and visitors were eager to sign feedback forms, with overwhelmingly positive comments:
“Brilliant to see a bright and vibrant mural. So pleased Bishop is getting some TLC. Look forward to visiting again soon.”
“Fantastic, really makes you smile. Well done everyone and thank you!”
“Looks so beautiful, bringing much needed colour to Bishop!”
So, the next time you find yourself in Bishop Auckland, venture through this cheerful walkway soon to feature many plants, flowers, and a seating area, and simply soak in the brilliance of The Happy Wall.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
