Spray-as-you-go is a perfect deal for creative Leeds kids

It's a colourful creation that has helped to bring thousands of years of history to life.
Seven-year-old Ellie Thompson gets to work on the design.Seven-year-old Ellie Thompson gets to work on the design.
Seven-year-old Ellie Thompson gets to work on the design.

Creative youngsters from across the city picked up cans of spray paint and honed in on some street style techniques to recreate some of history’s milestone moments.

The colourful graffiti mural was the brainchild of street artist Elliot Wigzell, who organised the urban art workshop at Leeds City Museum.

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Elliot, who runs Urban Art Leeds, said graffiti as an art form is slowly becoming more accepted.

Elliot Wigzell from Urban Art Leeds.Elliot Wigzell from Urban Art Leeds.
Elliot Wigzell from Urban Art Leeds.

He said : “I think this workshop is a great opportunity for the public to get to know more about this enigmatic art form.

“For most this will be the first time they have used spray paint with the help of a professional graffiti artist and events like this often help to change public attitudes.

“Graffiti has been used countless times in advertising and, as a counterculture, it’s slowly becoming more accepted.”

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The colourful artwork was inspired by just some artefacts on display at the city centre museum.

Nine-year-old Matthew Broadbent gets to work on the design.Nine-year-old Matthew Broadbent gets to work on the design.
Nine-year-old Matthew Broadbent gets to work on the design.

Visitors were given the chance to transform the work across the museum’s Broderick Hall throughout the course of the day.

Youngsters had the chance to don specialist equipment and use sugar spray paints as they worked to bring the exciting creation together piece by piece.

The activity is part of a drive by the museum to organise more thing to do for young people aged 13 and over.

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Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “This mural is a really incredible and imaginative creation and it’s fantastic to see the museum’s collection celebrated in such a modern and contemporary way.

Elliot Wigzell from Urban Art Leeds.Elliot Wigzell from Urban Art Leeds.
Elliot Wigzell from Urban Art Leeds.

“Keeping history and culture relevant and accessible with activities like this is crucial in ensuring we can engage with young people and help to nurture and encourage a passion for museums and heritage.” Visit: Facebook.com/urbanartleeds