Saltash has been brightened up with new artwork as part of a project to breathe new life into towns through culture and heritage.

Murals have been put up at Saltash Library Hub and Saltash Railway Station through the Tresorys Kernow (Cornish Treasures) scheme.

Two handcrafted murals, made by Saltash children,  that depict the Royal Crown and the Royal Albert Bridge, and celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, have been officially unveiled.

The children made the murals out of pieces of “Dock dung” china collected from Churchtown Farm and allotments.

Mayor and Mayoress Richard and Sarah Bickford along with Cornwall Councillor Hilary Frank, artist Chrissy Wallis and children from local primary schools unveiled the Platinum Jubilee murals at Saltash Library Hub.

Saltash Town Council was delighted to accept the gift of the murals, which were designed to be donated to the town.

They will be permanently displayed for the whole community to enjoy for many years to come.

Cllr Bickford said: “The murals unveiled at Saltash Library truly bring together some small pieces of Saltash history, to create two pieces of art celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

“The murals are made of small pieces of Dock dung china, collected from local fields and beaches, and arranged to make beautiful images. Please come and see them up close at the library.”

The Mayor of Saltash, Richard Bickford, with the murals in Isambard House at Saltash Railway Station
The Mayor of Saltash, Richard Bickford, with the murals in Isambard House at Saltash Railway Station (Contributed)

Dock dung china was contained in street sweepings from Devonport in the olden days. The sweepings were applied as fertiliser on farm fields.

Cllr Bickford has also unveiled six pieces of art, created by local artists, at the station. The project was led by the “Locally Led Learning” team, part of Cornwall Adult Education.

Project lead Tamzine Middleton explained how Isambard House and its position alongside the railway line that runs throughout Cornwall inspired the team.

The images depict scenes from along the railway, from Saltash to Penzance, and places between. The artwork will be shown at Isambard House alongside art exhibitions in the future.

Tresorys Kernow is a pilot project funded by the Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund with Cornwall Museums Partnership to bolster and regenerate towns and villages following the covid pandemic.