Tee2Sugars, a local South Wales street artist, has transformed an area of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre, turning a small disused alleyway in to a vibrant and colourful piece of art.
The SPF funded community project saw Tee2Sugars work alongside young people from the area to come up with the theme ‘notable people from Merthyr Tydfil, both past and present’, and members of the community were also invited along to help with the artwork.
Inspired by local legends, the artwork includes pictures of boxers Johnny Owen, Howard Winstone and Eddie Thomas, as well as fashion designers Laura Ashley and Julien Macdonald. The mural also features the slogan “YOU CAN DO BIG THINGS” to inspire the young people of Merthyr Tydfil.
Councillor Anna Williams-Price, Cabinet Member for Governance and Resources, said: “Hong Kong Alley had been discussed in many community safety partnership meetings and was recognised as a location vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and graffiti. Instead of boarding up and closing the area, we decided on a different approach, and asked Tee2Sugars to work his creative magic to turn it into a bright and bold work of art.
“Merthyr Tydfil is famous for its global impact when it comes to combat sport, so acknowledging the achievements of some of our local heroes through this artwork is a powerful way of paying respect to them and inspiring the next generation. Pictures of local fashion designers Laura Ashley & Julien Macdonald were also included to represent their world class talents.
“It was important to us that this was a community-led project, and we’re thrilled that so many people got involved. As a nod to their hard work, Tee2Sugars has painted hearts at both entrances to the alleyway, one for each person who helped paint it.
“The end results is a wonderfully bright and colourful space, that we hope will be well-used by visitors to the town centre!”
