28-05-2025
Artist begins transforming town centre buildings into musical murals
IT WAS after several conversations with members of some of Stourbridge's iconic musical exports that one artist birthed a creative idea to put the town back at the forefront of the country's artistic scene.
Cal, a Stourbridge-based artist who has been active for over two decades, has begun a project painting murals of the logos of several bands born out of the town on buildings for all to see.
The first completed work, an ode to rockers Pop Will Eat Itself, now adorns the side of the Direct2Print building on Foster Street, with the second mural of alt-rock band, The Wonder Stuff, almost ready to be unveiled just off the ring road on the side of The Bridge House.
'The Poppies' painting can be enjoyed by more than just Stourbridge locals, with an image of the mural already hanging in the prestigious V&A museum in London.
An image of the Poppies mural is hanging in the V&A in London (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ)
Cal said it is important the town celebrates its rich musical heritage and it was about time Stourbridge 'made some noise' about itself.
He said: 'We're known all over the UK for our music – I went to Tenby not that long ago and spoke to a woman who instantly knew Stourbridge for its bands.
'We're bigger than we think we are, and I don't want Stourbridge to be just another clone town with no identity.
'We should be celebrating our music and the arts and trying to promote creativity more.'
Five bands will be featured in Cal's project: Pop Will Eat Itself, The Wonder Stuff, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Diamond Head and, hopefully, an ode to a certain local, Robert Plant.
The artist, who goes only by his first name, said the next mural on his to-do list is for Ned's Atomic Dustbin, with the band encouraging him to 'go big or go home' with the design.
Cal, who is doing the work voluntarily, thanked the local businesses who have made his project possible, and the people of Stourbridge for their warm reception to his work.
He said: 'Without Archava Scaffolding, I would not have been able to get up the buildings, and none of this would be possible.
The Wonder Stuff mural is almost complete (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ) 'Also the businesses, so far Dirct2Print and Bridge House, who have been up for me using their walls, and Brierley Printers and the John Porter Community Fund, who have been a massive help.
'It's been a community effort, and so far, everyone has been brilliant about the work.
'Of course, it's thanks to the bands as well – these guys are still selling out tours and bringing out new music and deserve to be celebrated.'
Timed rather perfectly, the Poppies mural in particular coincides with the band's 40th anniversary and marks the release of their new single, 'Bruiser', which was released yesterday (May 27).
