Tamworth mural made a lasting impact

CH on Peel has applied to expand its operation onto the block behind its current venue and the business already has permission to demolish the old BWS building, on the corn of Brisbane and Dowe streets.

The artwork was commissioned in 2015 by Eco Designs, who were located in the office space above BWS.

Director Nic Hinwood got in touch with local artist Shane Salvador after putting the call out on social media.

Mr Salvador said he was given a few guidelines, but it was pretty much an  “open slather”.

“We went with the musicians – Jimmy Hendrix, John Lennon and Willie Nelson – because they were all innovative in their own right," he said.

Mr Hinwood said his business wanted to encourage creativity where ever possible.

“We had a huge blank canvas on that wall which allowed us to do that,” he said.

“On the left side of the door, we gave that part of the wall to the local graffiti community and told them to go nuts, so they had somewhere to practise doing their thing.”

Keo Designs had many people drawn up the stairs and into the business just to ask about the mural.

“We would always see people in the community getting photos with it,” Mr Hinwood said.

“We even saw it in magazines, with people using as a back drop.

“It was really nice to create and give something to Tamworth that has inspired the community, that has been well utilised and acknowledge.” It's safe to say Mr Hinwood achieved his goal of encouraging creativity – Mr Salvador said the mural really kicked things off for him.

"I got a lot of other work after that," he said.

Mr Salvador credits the mural for giving him the exposure he needed to pursue his other artistic projects.

He recently relocated to Brisbane to focus on a short film he is shooting for ABC. 

While he hasn't had time to paint for a while, Mr Salvador would love to do another mural in Tamworth.

“If the opportunity ever arose I'd be more than happy to do it again,” he said.

“It will be sad to see it go, but that’s life. It was a great time and location, and it got me the exposure I needed.”

Mr Hinwood said the new hotel was exciting news for Tamworth, but he would also be sad to see the mural go.

“It’s a bit like the Berlin Wall, hopefully I can take a bit home with me,” he said.

Eco Designs has relocated to Burke St and Mr Hinwood said he would keep an eye out for somewhere for another mural. The building is expected to be demolished in October.