Stunning Mural Unveiled Celebrating Accrington Stanley and Town Heritage
A breathtaking new mural that pays tribute to Accrington Stanley's illustrious history and the town's rich cultural heritage has been officially unveiled by the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters' Trust (OASST). Located on the exterior wall of The Crown Pub, adjacent to the Wham Stadium, this vibrant artwork is already capturing attention and is poised to become a must-see attraction for supporters, local residents, and visitors alike.
Artwork Features and Community Input
The mural intricately weaves together iconic elements that symbolize both the football club and the wider Accrington community. Key features include:
- Recognition of Accrington as a founding member of the Football League.
- A chimney representing the town's industrial heritage, adorned with a blue plaque marking its Football League founding status and a list of the 12 original members.
- A milk bottle, a playful nod to the club's famous television advertisement.
- References to the Accrington Pals and the town's distinctive NORI brick.
- Additional elements such as the outline of the Coppice, a celebration of the club's promotion to League One in 2018, and the Stanley Ultras' drum.
QR codes have been integrated into the design to provide visitors with access to more information, including a detailed history timeline. This project, over two years in development, involved extensive community consultation, with 832 individual contributions gathered through workshops, suggestion boxes, and matchday questionnaires. Notable input came from Emmerdale star and local resident Dominic Brunt, ensuring the mural authentically reflects the voices and memories of the community.
Funding and Installation Details
In December 2024, the project successfully met its fundraising target after a last-minute push from #AmazingAccrington business leaders, who collectively pledged over £4,000, surpassing the original goal of £18,021. Additional funding included:
- £2,150 from OASST.
- £4,568 in public pledges, featuring a generous anonymous donation of £2,150 from an Accrington Stanley-supporting couple.
- £7,415 secured from Lancashire County Council's Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund.
Other contributors included Hyndburn Borough Council, local businesses, and residents. The mural was installed by internationally renowned Liverpool artist Paul Curtis, known for his large-scale street art projects, including football-themed murals for clubs like Liverpool FC and Everton FC.
Community and Leadership Reactions
OASST Chair Peter Leatham expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It's fantastic to finally see the finished mural in place. This has been a long process with many people involved, and we thank everyone for their support. The mural showcases key elements of the club and town's history, and we're incredibly proud of what has been created." Accrington Stanley CEO Warren Eastham added, "It's brilliant to have such a significant cultural artwork signposting people to the 'world's largest small club.' It captures the spirit of Accrington Stanley and the town, and we look forward to seeing supporters and visitors admire it."
This mural now stands as a lasting tribute to Accrington Stanley and its supportive community, serving as a powerful visual celebration of history, heritage, and football pride in Accrington, Lancashire.
