Owl artwork replaces 'eyesore' graffiti

A householder hopes new artwork will keep graffiti vandalism away from her garden wall.

Rachel Hobbs-Harding from Peterborough said she was “moved to tears” after her garden wall, which overlooks a footpath, was targeted five times over the past 18 months with spray paint.

Last month, she commissioned Nathan Murdoch from Street Arts Hire to create a design on the wall to make the environment more appealing.

On Saturday, he painted a colourful abstract design of an owl on the wall, which he hopes will become "a positive talking point" for that part of Paston.

Ms Harding has lived in the Seymour Place property for nearly two years and said she was finally "relieved" the new new artwork had replaced her "eyesore wall".

She added that it had unintentionally become a "fitting piece" for her late mother who loved owls.

"When Nathan was doing the painting we were away to scatter our mum’s ashes and her favourite animal was the owl, so this is even more special for me," she said.

"It looks absolutely amazing. I am so grateful for Nathan for doing this without any charge."

However, the 46-year-old said she was still concerned about her wall being targeted.

“Fingers crossed no-one is going to damage it… it is a concern, particularly with one of the graffiti artists," she said.

“The area looks presentable now and I am really happy. It has taken a load off my mind.”

Nathan Murdoch, who has created many artworks around the city including one of The Prodigy's Keith Flint, said he had a "lot of fun" doing the artwork.

“The design was abstract and loose. I improvised on the spot with the design," he said.

“I am happy with the result and feedback from people passing by was positive.

“I hope it creates a positive talking point.”

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