An uninspiring and drab Radcliffe canal wall is being transformed into a work of art. Community-spirited Prestwich artist, Carol Anne Lee, is devoting her spare time to creating a colourful mural at a town centre stretch of the canal. “Art gives me so much pleasure and I like to use it for good,” she said.
In time, she will be painting more murals along the canal, and when completed there will be an official unveiling ceremony. Explaining the mural, Carol Anne said: “It’s a celebration of the history and beauty of the canal. It shows what Radcliffe used to be like, which is why I’ve included a shire horse pulling a barge, and images associated with coal mining.
“I also want to connect Radcliffe’s past with its present, so I’ll be featuring litter-pickers and the people who plant flowers to make the canal look nicer.” Assisting Carol Anne with her artistic projects is Angie Power, a friend who lives in Whitefield. Whenever the weather is good, the two head to the canal bank to work on the mural.
Angie Power and Carol Anne (Image: Neil Brandwood) “Without Angie, I couldn’t do it,” said Carol Anne. “We’re a real team and she’s a diamond. “One of the things I enjoy about working on the mural is that I’m outside, which is a nice change from working alone in my studio.
“There’s been an amazing response from the public, with people coming up to talk to me about the painting, and motorists calling out words of encouragement and appreciation. It�.
