
A striking new mural has been unveiled as part of a bid to brighten public spaces in a North East town.
The 95ft mural transforms the wall above St Oswald’s Hospice’s West Street charity shop into a glowing cityscape of rain-soaked streets and neon lights.
Internationally-acclaimed artist Dan Kitchener created the mural for Gateshead Council’s Off the Walls project, delivered with design studio Electrik Sheep.
Dan Kitchener said: "It’s been amazing to paint such a big, striking wall right in the heart of the town centre.
The new mural (Image: Supplied)
"Like a lot of my work, this piece is about seeing the beauty in urban landscapes.
"I hope it brings those who walk past it a lot of joy."
The mural is part of a wider public-art drive to revitalise Gateshead.
Backed by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, Off the Walls aims to reshape public spaces and bring more culture to Gateshead town centre.
Lindsay Murray, service director of communities and culture at Gateshead Council, said: "We’re loving the fresh energy that Off the Walls is bringing to our town centre, and Dan’s contribution is a real showstopper.
"The murals we’ve commissioned form part of our plans to regenerate the area and make an immediate positive impact.
"We’ve seen the difference they’ve made in revamping areas elsewhere and we want that for Gateshead too."
The council is working with Electrik Sheep and artists Mul and Prefab77 to commission more work from leading artists.
Andrew Moir, head of retail at St Oswald's Hospice, said: "When we opened our Gateshead shop last November, we wanted to reimagine the traditional charity shop, creating a space that feels bold, bright and modern.
"Dan Kitchener’s mural captures that vision perfectly, helping to make West Street a real destination.
"Our staff and volunteers love the striking artwork Dan has created and we can’t wait to see how Off The Walls continues to bring creativity and community to Gateshead."
Other contributors include See You Through It, Jaune, KMG, Flying Fortress and the Broken Fingaz crew.
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For some, the project marks their first chance to bring their internationally recognised styles to the North East.
More murals are planned for gable ends across central Gateshead in the coming weeks.
The project adds to other regeneration work, including the conversion of the former G Scott Cars site into a pop-up events space in the Railway Quarter.