Trafford Centre reveals two huge new murals by Manchester artists

The Trafford Centre has unveiled two new colourful murals, designed and painted by local artists Luke Passey and Caroline Daly, to breathe some colour and creativity into the centre.

The artists were commissioned to each design and paint a 70 x 14 ft original mural based on the themes of freedom, hope and inclusivity.

Luke and Caroline worked day and night for ten days to paint their eye-catching designs. 

Caroline’s piece features a giant bee in pastel tones, with interactive elements, contrasting with Luke’s series of unusual shapes in an array of bright colours.

The unique and Instagrammable pieces have transformed a stretch of the mall on the lower and upper Regent Crescent.

Caroline Daly is known for creating colourful largescale public art, community projects and private commissions.

As a nature lover, her work often focuses on wildlife – particularly things with wings.

 “I’ve never painted a mural of this size before – I was apprehensive at first but I’ve really enjoyed the challenge and it’s been lovely working alongside Luke,” said Caroline.

“I’ve created an uplifting piece that oozes positivity.

“It’s my take on the worker bee who is flying around spreading joy and positivity, it features some hidden details that children can have some fun finding, offering some great photo opportunities.

“I’m from Manchester and live nearby, so it’s great to create such a big piece locally.

“I’m looking forward to taking my daughter and nieces to see it.”

Luke Passey is a street artist whose work studies composition of shape, pattern, and texture.

His work is easily recognisable, and his colourful, modern, and abstract pieces can often be spotted in the Northern Quarter.

“The inspirations behind my piece are always with me,” said Luke.

“I love to experiment with shape and composition as much as possible, bringing lots of colour and excitement within my work.

“The colours chosen within this piece are purposefully contrasting and complimentary to the next.

“People can make what they wish of my painting, I’m often asked, ‘what is it?’ To which I reply: ‘whatever you want it to be!’

“It’s great to work in The Trafford Centre, the diverse crowd is like nowhere I’ve worked before.

“You have adults saying they love your work with the same enthusiasm as their children.

“It’s refreshing knowing youngsters are appreciating the painting process just as much as I am.

“Hopefully the piece inspires others to do the same!”

Zoe Inman, Centre Director, said they have been planning for a while now to work more closely with some of our talented local artists.

“This seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring some theatre and fun to the malls and do something different with some of our space, blending fresh and contemporary artworks alongside the classic architecture that The Trafford Centre is famous for,” she said.

“Luke and Caroline’s murals have turned out even better than we could have envisioned – people certainly won’t be able to miss them!”