Goldie mural installed to enhance empty shop

The artwork by Eve Whitfield with contributions by Goldie is on show in Queen Square

The first of eight murals to improve the appearance of empty shop units in Wolverhampton has been installed.

Wolverhampton University graduate Eve Whitfield created the image of Walsall-born musician and artist Goldie, which has been put up in a shop in Queen Square.

Graffiti by the performer, who said he was "delighted" to support the project, has been integrated within her image.

"It’s amazing to see the seeds we planted three decades ago, still bearing fruit today," he said.

Artist and musician Goldie, from Walsall, said he was delighted to support the project

Ms Whitfield graduated from the university with a first class degree in illustration last year and also won an award for outstanding professional development in visual practice.

The large-scale artworks have been commissioned by Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID) which has given each of the contributing artists £200.

The Street Stories project launched in 2023 with the aim of involving local creatives, to make the empty units more appealing while encouraging people into the city, the body said.

"Instead of vacant shops reminding us of economic struggle, our cities can be beautiful open-air art galleries which are a joy to stroll through," Wolverhampton BID added.

"The project aims to shine a light on the talent of our local artists, encourage footfall into and around our city centre streets and at the same time highlight the investment potential of the available commercial premises.”

The scheme has been funded by money from the government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, with similar schemes under way in other cities.