Plaque placed next to stunning Warrington artwork after five-year wait

Gail Stubbings has run Blooming Art Academy, which offers a safe space for individuals to grow and create, in 2013.

Five years ago, Blooming Art started working on a piece on the side of Roebuck Plaza, on Academy Street.

The 61-year-old studied the history of the town, researching the right buildings to include and perfecting the drawings.

Gail even walked for miles to visit every suggested building as part of her research, which took six months in total.

“All we asked for in return was a plaque to show why the artwork was an important piece of our history and for it to say who designed it,” said Gail.

Sadly, as the company who built the complex went into liquidation, and so the plaque ‘got put on the back burner’.

The plaque has now been added next to the artwork (Image: Supplied)

“It was only due to people coming in the African Store downstairs and asking about the artwork that led to me trying to find someone to help,” said Gail.

“After dozens of phone calls and e-mails, I was contacted by someone from Torus who offered to help.

“It meant so much when they offered support.”

The team at Torus came on board and were able to help organise a plaque, which has now been placed erected near the artwork.

“Recognising artist’s work makes creators feel valued, respected & appreciated,” said Gail.

“It validates their time and effort and emotional investment.

“We did this artwork for free, and I spent six months in total on research, meetings and artwork.

“I couldn’t be more over the moon that we finally have our plaque. Not just so people and loved ones can celebrate our history and artistry, but so people can see a snippet of what a special town we have.

“I can’t thank everyone enough who has helped make this happen.

“What was so lovely was when a man came out and said to me, ‘I’ve lived here 3 years & now I know why there’s a horse on it’.

“Our Warrington history is so important and I’m so proud to have been a part of it.”