An inspirational piece of artwork has gone on display at a gateway to Ellesmere Port.
The winning entry in a public art competition appears as a large mural on the side of Circle Cabs premises on Princes Road.
The mayor of Ellesmere Port, Bob Crompton, officially unveiled the 8m by 6m design by Silent Bill alongside veterans from the Cheshire Regiment Association, some of whom in First World War uniforms to create a colourful event.
Flags were lowered and The Last Post was played to mark the occasion.
“This is an inspirational piece of art work which graces our town with its spirit of remembrance,” said Cllr Crompton.
“Placed as it is in a prominent position it cannot fail to impress anyone using Whitby Road and I am delighted that members of the Cheshire Regiment Association could be here with us for the official unveiling in this centenary year.”
The theme of the art competition, forming part of the Ellesmere Port Arts Festival which is taking place in the town until April 27, was Peace and Reconciliation, WW1 Centenary.
The winning design, titled A New Beginning was chosen by the competition’s committee and has now been recreated in full on the side of Circle Cabs.
Dave Thomas, Circle Cabs owner, said: “When I first viewed the artwork as a draft I was very impressed with the message the artist was trying to portray.
“With it being an emotive subject, to capture Peace and Reconciliation was always going to be a difficult task but the artist has done a fantastic job and the feedback from our customers and passers-by has been tremendous.”
A Member of the Cheshire Regiment Association, Tom Simkins, said: “The Cheshire Regiment Association was proud to be a part of this and the service at the cenotaph. I hope children see it and know why it is there.”
The borough council commissioned the artist to install the work as part of the programme of town centre improvements, supporting the regeneration of Whitby Road as a key gateway into town.
Runner up in the competition was Owen Mageean, whose artwork is currently exhibited at the council’s Civic Way offices.
The winning piece was chosen by the committee, chaired by Ellesmere Port Town ward borough councillor Justin Madders (Lab) with expert advice from Prof Neil Grant, head of the fine arts department from the University of Chester.
All entries were submitted to the Paperboat Gallery.
Cllr Madders said: “The standard of entries was really high and I am pleased that we were able to display the runner up, Owen Mageean’s entry, in the council offices.
“The winning design by Silent Bill, however, really lends itself to the chosen site as a gateway to the town. Visitors from far and wide cannot fail to notice it and will remember it whenever they think of the Port.”
The mural will be displayed for at least one year, with a possibility for it to remain in place for longer.
