Legendary comedian Eric Morecambe and Olympic star Phoebe Gill are among the Harpenden heroes included in the town's new mural.
The new mural, in Harpenden’s railway station pedestrian tunnel in Station Road, was unveiled on Thursday, August 22, featuring key people and events in town's history.
St George’s School student and 800m star Phoebe Gill, who shone at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite being just 17, is among those included.
Celebrated comedian Eric Morecambe is also part of the mural, as is David Philip Clarke represented England and Great Britain in blind football during a glittering 17-year career. He is currently the Chief Executive of Paralympics GB.
Harpenden resident Alison Bourke had the idea to revamp the subway tunnel and involved schoolchildren from Sir John Lawes and St Georges secondary schools in the design.
Hertfordshire County Council provided funding for the projected, with street artists MurWalls bring the design to life.
"This is another great example of us working in partnership in our quest to improve our subways, providing a better environment that encourages more walking and cycling, which in turn will go towards making Hertfordshire cleaner, greener and healthier," said Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council.
"My sincere thanks to all involved in this fantastic project."
Roger Butterworth, chairman of the Harpenden & District Local History Society who helped design the mural, added: "The society has been pleased to support this project.
"The mural created by Alison depicts Harpenden’s history from growing wheat in Roman and Medieval times, including a portrait of Sir John Lawes and Rothamsted Manor, to its current farmer’s market.
"It includes representation of the railway that serviced the town from the mid-1800’s to the contemporary Classics on the Common and many interesting points in between.
"Famous residents from sport and entertainment include Eric Morecambe and England Rugby’s former captain Owen Farrell along with George Ford and Maro Itoje, who attended the local school St George’s.
"With the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in Paris, it is fitting to include a portrait of David Clarke, a local resident who played blind football for England and Paralympics GB. He is currently CEO of Paralympics GB.
"The design also includes Phoebe Gill, who at the age of 17, represented Team GB in the Paris Olympics 2024 in the 800m semi-final and also attends St George’s school."
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