“You have brought light into a dark place.”
These are the words of Dave, a retired tour guide who lives on Woodbine Street. Together we added one final dedication to the eighth mural - in memory of his son Daniel, who sadly died aged 5 from cerebral palsy.
Although he was sceptical of the project when I first met him in May of this year, Dave has softened and has said some sincere and encouraging things, like the statement above. Despite the difficulties he has been through and battling depression, he has learned to recognise the goodness in simple things and doesn’t let the bad things win. He says he wants to do more creative things.
Interviews
I’ve met some people from the media in the past couple of weeks. The BBC report is still ongoing, but the Liverpool Echo published this article, in today’s paper on page 3.
As with many newspaper articles, there are things I said and people I mentioned that didn’t get in to the journalist’s final piece. But I’m happy with this article. It’s a bit of uplifting positivity in a world full of bad news and tragedies, where people are being hurt and hurting each other.
I know there will always be people who are cynical about art, demanding to know how this project has been funded (which I have always been transparent about, putting up an information sign on each fence while making the murals). I’ve mentioned this before but the funding came from the government’s Safer Streets initiative, set up to make deprived/dangerous areas across England and Wales safer. The allocated amount for Kirkdale’s flower streets was also spent on new street lighting, CCTV cameras and clearing alleyways.
Better than grey and drab
This is what the gable end of 5 Pansy Street looked like before.
This is what it looks like now - this photo also shows my two friends Colin and Danielle painting the side wall, which really makes a difference. (It shows up the awfulness of Snowdrop Street - left - even more, though!)
Side walls painted too!
The Council people were inspired by the way the owner/occupiers of 1 and 2 Daisy Street had taken it upon themselves to paint the wall to the side of the Daisy murals so that the area looks even smarter. Some extra funding was found to pay for the paint needed for these extra bits for the other murals, whose occupiers don’t own their houses.
Comments about the murals from people I’ve met in the area
“I’m absolutely made up. We love our mural.” N, Crocus Street resident
“You’ve really brightened the place up, love!” D, Daisy Street resident
“I grew up here and played on these streets as a little girl. I wish these murals had been here then. I’ve come from Kirby to see them especially.” Former resident
“Can I just say thank you for painting these murals. I’ve been watching them develop since the beginning. Just wanted to say they’re beautiful.” N, Woodbine Street resident
“I’ve lived here all my life - they make the area much nicer. Everybody stops to see them.” B, Daisy Street resident
“What you're doing is amazing and life-affirming.” Dr Pauline Rowe, writer/poet living in Liverpool.
Have you seen the murals at the Flower Streets? What are your thoughts about them?
What’s next?
A letter to the residents will be printed this week, and I will hand-deliver it with Jess from Culture Liverpool.
The BBC journalist wants to hear from some local people. I’ll be in touch again when the report is out.
I’m making plans to have a long-awaited break at the end of October!
Me too Madeleine, I hope your next adventure into art over Fall Autumn and Winter is full of enlightenment for you, keep well and stay safe X
Hi Madeleine
Lovely artwork on the flower streets it will inspire people to paint more and that's a great factor.
I know the people that live on the flower streets appreciate your hard work and the volunteers too including me when ever I see the flowers.
I look forward to Spring 2024 when you complete the last painting Madeleine X Zodiac