Marc explains that the initial concept for MurWalls was ‘to bring street art into people’s homes.’ It’s fair to say when you look through the national and international coverage, as well as the outpouring of love for their artworks, that vision has been surpassed and then some. If you were to venture round various cities in this country, not least Watford, you’d see houses and buildings displaying the faces of icons from the world of football, music, and film, brought to life by street art.
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What began with spray painting his son’s bedroom, led to work with West Ham United and Liverpool. Millions of views on social media later, Marc was introduced to a man who had achieved back-to-back promotions with Watford Football Club during his playing days and was now working within the Club’s commercial team – Richard Johnson. The Hornet’s man bought into MurWalls and put Marc in touch with the Trust. And so, the first artwork with Watford began to take shape.
“We’re always looking at ways we can give back, whether that’s through charities or community groups, and this was a good opportunity to start what we wanted to do.”
The ambition was there and after speaking with members of Trust staff, it became clear that a mural in honour of the late patron of the Trust, Graham Taylor OBE, would be the focus of their partnership. The perfect wall at Meriden Community Centre was then identified, a hub run by the Trust and opened by the Club’s greatest-ever manager in 2016. There was no question for Marc as he recalls his excitement at portraying Graham.
“I actually worship Graham Taylor, not just as a football manager but as a person. I’ve heard so many stories about what he’d done for this Club. Putting the Club and the fans before himself, that’s a proper person for me. He had the right spirit, and that’s the community spirit that the Trust is built on and the Club is built on.”
The result is there for all to see at Meriden Community Centre and Marc remembers the official reveal well, thanks to the attendance of Rita Taylor, Graham’s wife and patron of the Trust alongside her family.
“It was a really special day and I could see everyone was proud of what we’d done. It was nerve-wracking of course, I was blown away by her (Rita’s) knowledge of the game, I loved every minute of it.”
With one accomplishment under their belt, others soon followed – there was a live draw along with Lloyd Doyley, then the impressive mural on the grounds of Cornerstone Church, opposite the Vicarage Road Stadium – a work that Marc describes as one of his favourites – ‘with the proximity to the Stadium. It’s just perfect for me.’ That particular work was given a helping hand by Rita herself as she pointed out the wrong collar was used in the initial designs.
Now, as you wander through the town of Watford, you’ll see MurWalls scattered throughout, Sir Elton John, Luther Blissett OBE DL, Troy Deeney; the history of the Club crystalised on the walls of the town’s buildings. Marc is keen to make the point that this was only possible due to collaboration, through local authorities, organisations, and of course, the gifted artists MurWalls instructs, including one of their lead artists who grew up in Watford itself, Mr. Meana. So as MurWalls continue to plot their continued growth in the wider world, this town will always hold a special place in their hearts:
“It’s like a second home for us.”