The piece, titled ‘Within Ya Grasp’, was sprayed by internationally-acclaimed artists. Christian Fenn and Hayley Garner from The Butterfly Effected CIC worked with local community groups, schools, and historians to develop the piece.
It depicts a giant seaside claw machine filled with objects to represent Blackpool's identity, including sticks of rock, the famous tramway, football, live music, amusement attractions, local landmarks and cherished seaside traditions.
Situated on the corner of Bond Street and Station Road, the mural was funded by Arts Council England, Blackpool’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, and contributions from four local businesses; Evolution Ltd, The Small Business Academy, 5AM, and Happy Creative.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
“I’m so pleased to see Within Ya Grasp reflecting so much of South Shore’s rich heritage. We’re working to reinvigorate this area and people’s pride in their community, so the mural is a great way to kickstart that, as a bold statement of all South Shore has to offer.
We’re very grateful to the local businesses who’ve made this mural possible too, some giving really generous sums to help seed-fund this project. The artwork is also yet another example of how arts and culture shape and reflect Blackpool, as we bid to become City of Culture 2029.”
The piece is one of the first projects being delivered as part of a £1m investment in South Shore. The area is also set to see £415,000 spent on supporting businesses and brightening up areas along Waterloo Road and Lytham Road, using Pride in Place Impact Fund money agreed between Blackpool Council and MP Chris Webb.
Christian Fenn, from The Butterfly Effected CIC, added:
"Murals are about much more than painting a wall. They're an opportunity to start conversations, celebrate local identity and create something that people feel proud of. That's always been at the heart of what we do.
Being able to create something inspired by local history means a great deal. We hope people see the mural, connect with it in their own way and feel proud of the area and the stories that make it special.”
Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, said:
“I’m so pleased that I was able to help Christian and Hayley secure match funding and this wall in South Shore for the pilot of their Big HeArt project. I’m dedicated to regenerating South Shore and this mural is one of the first steps towards that. I’ve secured £1m of investment for South Shore so far and I am working hard to secure a further £20m through the government’s Pride in Place scheme. This is a really fun piece that celebrates so many aspects of the area. I especially love the reference to Melody House – a record shop on Bond Street when it was a real destination. This artwork on Bond Street is a real statement of intent towards helping the area thrive once again. Opportunity is in our grasp and we’re not dropping it.”
The large-scale artwork is the first piece to be completed as part of The Butterfly Effected’s Big HeArt Project. This aims to use public art to celebrate local stories, bring communities together and create lasting pieces of work inspired by Blackpool's past and present. Further murals are planned across Blackpool in the coming years.
Christian (Seca One) and Hayley Garner (Aylo) use creativity, storytelling and public art to inspire positive change within communities.
The Butterfly Effected was born from Christian and Hayley’s personal challenges with addiction and mental health. They use art and creativity to help people discover new opportunities for growth and self-expression through workshops, creative projects, documentaries and public artworks, while also supporting people affected by addiction and poor mental health.
Hayley said:
"We both know first-hand how powerful creativity can be. Art gave us a way to process difficult experiences and helped shape who we are today. Through The Butterfly Effected, we want to create opportunities for other people to find confidence, tell their stories and feel connected to the communities around them."
Blackpool Council is working with Creative Blackpool to develop the City of Culture bid. If successful, Blackpool would receive £10m to host a year-long celebration of arts and culture for the benefit of residents, visitors and businesses.
Residents are being encouraged to back Blackpool Council’s City of Culture bid. Visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/cityofculture to share your support.