Dukesfield Viaduct Murals Ignite a Cultural Renaissance: A Community’s Vision Comes to Life
What began as a spark of inspiration in Society Taprooms over five years ago has now exploded into a full-blown cultural landmark. With the backdrop of the iconic Silver Jubilee Bridge the once ordinary viaduct pillars have been transformed into canvases of world-class street art—each mural a vibrant tribute to Runcorn’s rich history and community spirit.
This is not just a visual transformation — it’s a story of community pride, collaboration, creativity and historical storytelling.
From Alex’s early vision to now this project truly has been a community collaboration within Reconnecting Runcorn. With Hazlehurst Studios, the Runcorn & District Historical Society, Society Taprooms and Halton Borough Council’s Regeneration Team being the driving force for the project, working together to create something that not only is visually stunning but a celebration of the rich local history to blend with the town’s unique cultural narrative.
In 2023, the Runcorn & District Historical Society collated 11 stories from the Dukesfield area. These tales became the foundation for a community-curated booklet, illustrated by local artist Millie Chesters and the Hazlehurst team, sparking conversations and inspiring the final murals.
World-class artists, local legends
In September 2024, internationally renowned muralists Liam Bononi and Aylo Nomad were commissioned to bring four of these stories to life. Their wraparound murals—visible from the train, along the River Mersey and Bridgewater Canal whether you are walking or cycling round Runcorn:
- Æthelflæd, 915 AD
- The Suffragettes and the 1913 Bombing
- The Pubs & Theatres of Old Runcorn
- The Shaws, 1881
[Image Credits Lauren A Quayle: Horse from Aethelflaed the 915 AD mural by Aylo Nomad]
Each mural is a masterclass in storytelling through art, blending historical reverence with bold, contemporary style.
[Image Credits Lauren A Quayle: The Suffragettes and the 1913 Bombing mural by Aylo Nomad]
[Image Credits Lauren A Quayle: The Suffragettes and the 1913 Bombing mural by Aylo Nomad]
[Image Credits Lauren A Quayle: Hayley (Aylo Nomad) and Liam Bononi with Collin Harvey From Giggle Shack at ‘Meet the Artist Q&A with the community’]
The transformation began with a community clean-up led by the Halton Veterans Legion, local residents, artists, and Krol Corlett. As the murals took shape, the site became a hub of curiosity and pride. Residents stopped by daily to watch the progress, share stories, and connect with the artists.
[Image Credit Lauren A Quayle: Front – The Shaws 1881 mural and Behind the Pubs and Theatres mural by Liam Bononi]
“In big cities, people are used to murals and often walk by without much interest,” said Aylo Nomad. “Runcorn was different, people stopped to talk, asked questions, and shared stories. It really felt like the murals meant something to the community.” “It’s important to see their stories coming to life,” added Liam Bononi.
[Image Credits Lauren A Quayle: The Shaws 1881 mural by Liam Bononi]
[Image credits Lauren A Quayle: Pubs & Theatres by Liam Bononi]
Claire Pitt the Director at Hazlehurst Studios said “It’s brilliant to see it all come together bringing local history to life.”
[Image credits Lauren A Quayle: Murals Walk and Talk event on 3rd May in Runcorn]
The Dukesfield murals are more than just art—they’re an open-air gallery, accessible to all. They invite locals and visitors alike to explore Runcorn’s past, present, and future through a lens of creativity and connection.
Join the official celebrations as the project comes to a close with all the murals complete on Saturday 26th July 2025. As part of the final celebrations the local community are invited to join in and add to some mini viaduct pillar canvas’ to curate their very own mural inspired by the works of art now on display in Dukesfield. Plus take part in so many more activities inspired by the murals, learn about the history and story behind each painting, take a peak at the Æthelflæd stain glass windown in All Saints Church before continuing the party at Society Taprooms’ Hip Hop Night. During the event be sure to pop down to the Buddhist Temple and visit the Peace Garden for some refreshments as well as hearing the latest about the Ubosot Hall project, both a part of Reconnecting Runcorn.
