When work will start on Paul Cullen mural and plans for more art

As previously reported, plans have been given the green light to paint a mural of Paul Cullen during the final game at Wilderspool on the side of The Kings Head pub.

Permission was required from Warrington Borough Council due to the pub, a stone’s throw from the Halliwell Jones Stadium, being a Grade II-listed building.

Paul Cullen has thrown his backing to the project, speaking to the Warrington Guardian of his pride over being the subject.

Now, applicant Warrington Arts Council has confirmed that artist Tony Turk will hopefully start work on the art piece in April.

Paul Taylor, chair of Warrington Arts Council, said: “I cannot even begin to express how happy we are to see this get started.

The proposed mural of Paul Cullen on the side of the Kings Head pub

“This is a proof of concept for us so we can approach property owners and apply for funding and donations to get more art all around town.

“We are over the moon to be able to help get this off the ground with the help of Warrington Youth Zone, Culture Warrington, Anthony Turk, Tough Tim Twist and everyone else that is involved.

“Anthony has been dying to do this on this very wall for ages. We just helped to make it a reality.

“Murals are a relatively cheap and quick way of making a visual impact and bringing life and art to the town centre.

“It is all part of the Art and About in Warrington initiative by Warrington Arts Council, an independent arts group here in town that has been around for more than 50 years.

“We want people to be able to experience art in whatever form it takes wherever they stand in Warrington town centre.

Paul Cullen at Wilderspool at the final game there

“It will be a walking tour with a route on Google Maps as the project progresses.”

On where future art projects are planned and who will be the subject of them, Paul added: “It is all top secret at the moment. We have a few more spots lined up though.

“We have spoken to a few property owners and the response has been really positive. Anyone who wants something on their property in town, please get in touch.

“The same goes for any artists that want a chance to put their mark on town as part of this project – all are welcome: sculptors, painters, musicians, poets, authors – the sky is the limit with this.”

A discreet but accessible QR code will be on the mural to link to the artist's reasoning behind the creation of the mural, and this will also then link to an interactive map of the town to view other murals, exhibits and installations as a walking tour which will increase and direct footfall around the town.