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'Hullywood' mural shows city's links to the movies

BBC/Gemma Dawson A mural showing illustrations of characters from different films: Enola Holmes, The Personal History of David Copperfield and BlitzBBC/Gemma Dawson
The mural, which illustrates characters from the films that have been shot in Hull, was created by artist Andy Pea

A mural celebrating Hull's links to Hollywood has been unveiled in the city.

The artwork at Paragon Interchange shows locations and characters of some of the films that have been shot in various parts of the city centre including Enola Holmes and The Personal History of David Copperfield.

It coincided with the first public screening of Oscar-winner Steve McQueen's latest World War Two film, Blitz, which was partly shot in the Old Town area.

Artist Andy Pea, who created the mural, described his work as "a great beacon" to introduce visitors to the area and praise the region's international film connections.

Dean Rogers/Lionsgate UK A scene from The Personal History of David Copperfield, directed by Armando Iannucci. Showing actor Jairaj Varsani in Victorian dress being chased by Peter Capaldi.Dean Rogers/Lionsgate UK
A scene from The Personal History of David Copperfield is replicated in the Hullywood mural

He said producing the mural was "great fun" and he hoped it would inspire people to look more closely into other films that were shot in the region.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said: “Hull’s links to Hollywood grow each year and with over 4,000 trail leaflets distributed since its launch in the spring, it’s clear there is a real appetite for it with residents and visitors."

At the same time, an augmented reality app guiding visitors around the city’s movie and TV locations was has also been launched.

Paul Schofield A building in Hull's Old Town has been obscured by sandbags, wooden crates and boarded up windows as part of the Blitz film set.Paul Schofield
Hull's Old Town has become a favourite stand-in for directors to depict period London

Mr Pritchard said: “The AR version will really bring this trail to life and I can see it proving very popular.

"TransPennine Express’ new mural captures the spirit of Hullywood, as well as our talented bank of performers, perfectly and will make a fantastic addition to the station."

Ben Courtney, station manager at TransPennine Express, said: “It was incredible for Hull station to be a part of the Hullywood experience – and to see it transform into times gone by."

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