Ilkley artists' mural magic

Ilkley artist Graeme Willson has just completed two enormous murals which will adorn the entrance foyer of a new Morrisons superstore in Norwich. The oil on canvas murals, which depict events and characters from the history and landscape of Norwich and Norfolk have taken Mr Willson more than a year to complete. Famous Norwich landmarks on the murals, include the Guildhall, Town Hall and Bishop's Bridge. The sheer size of the work, two panels measuring 24ft wide by 10ft high, meant that Mr Willson, of Albany Walk, had to use a studio at Ilkley College for the project. He also enlisted the help of other artists Nicholas Walford and Kate McCrickard - both former students of the foundation course at Bradford College. Mr Willson has also completed murals for Morrisons in other stores including two in Darlington, one in Manchester and one in Sheffield. Mr Willson said he would like to thank the administrators of Bradford and Ilkley College for the use of the studio and the company Crest Homes which has also helped. (33-003-AH)