New library mural unveiled in bid to cut graffiti

Nicole White An image of the corner of a square light-coloured stone building, which has shutters at the end of each wall.  The two murals create a single landscape with green hills  and a badger in the foreground and an owl leaning against an upturned book.Nicole White
The mural at Ecclesall Library has been created by a local artist

A colourful new mural has been unveiled at a library in Sheffield.

Painted on the shutters at Ecclesall Library, in Ecclesall Road South, it is hoped the artwork will deter people from vandalising the shutters.

Staff also hope the mural will increase the visibility of the building and promote reading.

Artist Nicole White, who began work on the project in August, said she was “really happy” it was finished, adding that it had transformed the building and brought colour to the site.

Roland Sebestyen A woman is standing in front of a building smiling at the camera.  She is wearing a long purple coat with a bright black pink and red flowery dress underneath with white leg warmers and black trainers.Roland Sebestyen
Nicole White began work on the mural in August

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the process had taken longer than anticipated as she had been recovering from a concussion.

“It did take a little bit longer than I expected, but I still managed to get it done in two months," she said.

Ms White also said the interest her work had received had helped her feel more seen and validated and had given her more confidence in her work.

Ward councillor Barbara Masters, said the process was a “long gestation, but my gosh it’s worth it”.

“We’re delighted with the work, it’s fulfilled the brief completely," she said.

It’s in-keeping not only with its green surroundings of trees but also with the library, because it’s got the books forming a pathway to learning, to knowledge.

“It’s also something that is really attractive for children, getting them engaged and it also raises the profile of this area."

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