Bringing Colour to Northampton’s History: Abington Decorating Supplies Supports the Fermyn Woods Mural Project

Northampton’s industrial gateway has been transformed into a vibrant celebration of history and creativity thanks to a landmark new mural on St Andrew’s Road, just a short walk from the town’s train station. The large-scale public artwork, commissioned by Fermynwoods Contemporary Art in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, tells the story of Northampton’s heritage in a bold and contemporary way.

As proud local suppliers, Abington Decorating Supplies worked closely with Caparol UK to provide all the professional-grade paints and coatings used in this ambitious project, helping ensure the mural’s colours will remain rich and durable for years to come.

A Gateway to Northampton’s Heritage

The mural sits on one of Northampton’s most visible walls, a long stretch of St Andrew’s Road that greets visitors arriving at the railway station. Once a plain industrial façade, it is now a striking visual landmark and a colourful introduction to the town’s character and history.

Spanning nearly 30 metres, the piece forms part of the area’s wider regeneration, connecting the future Castle Park development with Northampton’s medieval past. The mural reimagines the story of Northampton Castle, the former royal fortress that once dominated this part of the town, through a series of layered and expressive scenes.

The Artists and the Vision

The mural was designed and painted by Studio Studio, the creative partnership of Bridie Cheeseman and Jake Williams. Their proposal was selected from an international open call run by Fermynwoods Contemporary Art earlier in the year.

Studio Studio’s approach focuses on collaboration, inviting local voices into the creative process. The artists ran a series of community workshops in Northampton over the summer, working with local schools, historians, and residents to co-create visual ideas for the wall. The result is a mural that feels both globally ambitious and deeply rooted in local identity.

Telling Northampton’s Story Through Art

Rather than depicting one static moment, the mural traces the long and eventful history of Northampton Castle and the people who lived around it. It references key moments from the 11th to the 17th centuries, including:

• The founding of the castle by Simon de Senlis.

• The trial and dramatic escape of Thomas Becket in 1164.

• Visits from King John and the role of the castle in the turbulent First Barons’ War.

• Later sieges, civil conflict, and the eventual loss of the castle as the railway expanded across its grounds.

Interwoven with these stories are contemporary motifs — bricks, arches, and colours inspired by Northampton’s architecture — linking the mural’s imagery to the town’s built environment.

Local illustrator Charlotte Lilly George also joined the project as a guest artist, spending ten days on site and creating a panel that became a permanent part of the composition. Her involvement reflects the project’s open, collaborative ethos.

Supplying the Colour: Abington Decorating Supplies & Caparol UK

Behind the scenes, the success of the mural also depended on the right materials. Working in partnership with Caparol UK, we at Abington Decorating Supplies were delighted to supply all of the paints and coatings used throughout the project.

Given Northampton’s changeable weather and the mural’s exposed roadside location, it was essential that the colours not only looked vibrant on day one but would withstand years of sun, wind, and rain. The artists selected Caparol’s professional-grade façade paints, known for their exceptional colour retention, breathability, and UV stability.

To further protect the finished work, the wall was treated with SLX100 breathable surface protection, applied by GB Facilities Services. This anti-graffiti coating provides long-term resistance to dirt and vandalism while maintaining the mural’s natural finish.

We’re proud to have supported a project that uses our products not just to decorate, but to tell a story — one that reflects Northampton’s heritage, resilience, and creativity.

Community, Creativity, and Lasting Impact

Fermynwoods Contemporary Art and West Northamptonshire Council designed the project to bring art into everyday spaces, to make history visible to everyone passing by. By involving local residents, students, and schools such as Spring Lane Primary and The CE Academy, the project encouraged learning, participation, and pride in the town’s unique past.

University of Northampton students also contributed to the installation, making the project a bridge between professional artists, educators, and emerging creatives.

The mural was made possible through Arts Council England funding, alongside contributions from local businesses and suppliers like ourselves. For Abington Decorating Supplies, supporting projects like this isn’t just about providing materials, it’s about helping build connections between people, place, and creativity.

A Lasting Addition to Northampton’s Landscape

Since its unveiling in late 2025, the mural has already become a local landmark, admired by commuters, residents, and visitors alike. Its combination of bold colour, storytelling, and craftsmanship turns an everyday wall into a living piece of Northampton’s identity.

As the wider Castle Park area continues to evolve, the mural will stand as a symbol of collaboration, between artists and residents, heritage and modernity, and between suppliers and makers who bring ideas to life.

At Abington Decorating Supplies, we are thrilled to have played a part in that story, ensuring that Northampton’s history now shines in colour for all to see.