Artwork marks centre's 50 years

An 82ft illustration featuring some of Preston's most iconic landmarks has been unveiled at St George's Shopping Centre to commemorate 50 years since it opened.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2016, 08:45 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2016, 09:47 BST
LEP 22-03-16 Artist Chirs Murphy, left, has created large murals of landmarks in Preston, unveiled on the top floor of St George's Centre, Preston, to mark 50 year anniversary of the centre, pictured with centre manager Andrew Stringer, right, holding postcards of the art, which are to be given out free to shoppers.LEP 22-03-16 Artist Chirs Murphy, left, has created large murals of landmarks in Preston, unveiled on the top floor of St George's Centre, Preston, to mark 50 year anniversary of the centre, pictured with centre manager Andrew Stringer, right, holding postcards of the art, which are to be given out free to shoppers.
LEP 22-03-16 Artist Chirs Murphy, left, has created large murals of landmarks in Preston, unveiled on the top floor of St George's Centre, Preston, to mark 50 year anniversary of the centre, pictured with centre manager Andrew Stringer, right, holding postcards of the art, which are to be given out free to shoppers.

Featuring well known landmarks from across the city including the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, the Town Hall and the famous Sir Tom Finney splash statue, it has been installed in the heart of the centre.

Bosses at St George’s commissioned illustrator Chris Murphy to create the artwork on the third floor of the shopping centre’s rotunda and it also includes sketches of Preston bus station, Avenham Park and Preston Minster.

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Mr Murphy lived in Preston for more than 20 years and says the artwork is the biggest he has ever done.

LEP 22-03-16 Artist Chris Murphy has created large murals of landmarks in Preston, unveiled on the top floor of St George's Centre, Preston, to mark 50 year anniversary of the centre.LEP 22-03-16 Artist Chris Murphy has created large murals of landmarks in Preston, unveiled on the top floor of St George's Centre, Preston, to mark 50 year anniversary of the centre.
LEP 22-03-16 Artist Chris Murphy has created large murals of landmarks in Preston, unveiled on the top floor of St George's Centre, Preston, to mark 50 year anniversary of the centre.

“I lived in Preston for most of my life so I was able to use my knowledge of the area to make sure all the key landmarks were included that local people would be able to identify,” he said.

And to mark the unveiling limited edition postcards featuring the drawings will be available to shoppers at the centre’s management office.

Andrew Stringer, general manager at St George’s, said: “We wanted to do something special to mark 50 years since St George’s opened and we are thrilled with Chris Murphy’s work.”

Related topics:PrestonTown Hall