Calls to Save St Neots Mural Ahead of Building Demolition

There are growing calls to save a much-loved mural in St Neots that’s due to be lost when the old TC Harrison car dealership on Cambridge Street is demolished.

The artwork – a life-like spray-painted portrait of local man Ken Irons – was created earlier this year by his grandson, professional artist Dan Wilson, during a visit home from Chicago.

The striking black-and-white piece, titled ‘Grandad’, quickly became a talking point. It brightened the side of the empty showroom and celebrated Ken, who was born in Eynesbury and lived most of his life in Hail Weston.

Dan’s mother, Joy Wilson, said the mural was always intended to be temporary, as the family knew the building was due to be demolished. But with the site now expected to come down as soon as Monday 13 October, she’s been touched by the number of people asking if it could somehow be saved.

“It’s been wonderful to see how many people have enjoyed it,” Joy said. “We always knew it wouldn’t be there forever, but some have asked whether it might be possible to display it somewhere else. The developers have said they’re willing to save it if it can be done, so we’re just putting the question out there to see if anyone has ideas or contacts who might be able to help.”

Her post has prompted a wave of suggestions from residents about where the artwork could be re-erected if it can be safely removed.

“It’s great that the developers are willing to save it. Maybe it could be a feature in the revamped Priory Centre or incorporated into the Market Square? Or perhaps erected near the splash park? We as a town are lucky to have such home-grown talent here in St Neots.”

Another added:

“That is meant to be the site of a retirement home, and I already thought the mural was going to be part of it – so I wonder if it could be incorporated into the new building in some way?”

Dan, who originally trained in photography before moving into professional art full-time, said the mural was always meant to be a positive addition to the area while it lasted.

“Because it’s being knocked down, the developers were fine with it – it was only ever intended to be temporary,” he explained.

However, with public affection for Grandad growing, there’s now hope the much-loved mural could find a permanent new home somewhere in St Neots.

Tell us where you think it could go in the comments below.