A subculture has taken over an otherwise average-looking industrial estate for the past few years – transforming it into its own colourful art exhibition.
Bankside and Wincolmlee had cameras of the world on it in 2018 as Draw The Raised Bridge by Banksy appeared on the now-demolished Scott Street Bridge. With the anonymous street artist and his legendary stencilled art, Banksy has seemingly transformed the world’s opinion that street art is not just mindless vandalism, but instead a great way of creative expression – as well as inspiring others.
Bankside Gallery is a network of local and national street artists helping brighten up Hull. Though their work is scattered across the city, Wincolmlee and Bankside have become a somewhat main exhibition for the network, enlisting both local and national artists to participate in “tagging” the street. Bankside Gallery artists were also enlisted by the council to have free reign to tag derelict homes on Preston Road before being demolished – photos for that can be found here.
I explored the industrial estate to marvel at some of the creations. Follow along my walk in the photos below.
You can find out more about Bankside Gallery over in their Instagram @banksidegalleryhull. They regularly post all about new pieces going up, as well as artist information and a handy map of the spots you should visit.
Bankside Gallery in Hull
Where it all began – Scott Street. Although the bridge has gone and the Banksy in storage, people were clearly inspired and decorated the full surrounding area in graffiti.
An impressive huge mural on the side of the former Grosvenor Mill already proved the talent some of the artists have
A more innocent-looking doodle amongst the impressive spray paintings offered something different
A very Banksy-esque stencil is the closest to the Draw The Raised Bridge in the area
Walking towards The Whalebone Pub had plenty more art to admire. Artists frequently paint over old work to keep the gallery constantly fresh. This is where a beautiful mural of the late Ruby Rogers was – a 28 year old from Hull who lost her battle with bowel cancer last year.
The former mural to Ruby.
(Image: Katie Pugh)With the abundance of car garages and scrapyard in the area, I was highly fond of this one
Some people may argue still that spray painting is anti-social behaviour, I would show them this photo paying homage to the Absolutely Cultured blue coat volunteers.
Every wall in the area seemed to be bursting with colour in an otherwise grey part of town
Even though these were tagged at seperate times by separate artists – @doodle_d_ and @sdart_poi, the stunning murals blended together seamlessly. Many of the tags are signed with Instagram handles.
Growing up, the only spray paint I seem to remember seeing was the likes of ‘Bill Wuz Here 2k10’ now you see a really impressive cartoon The Mask.
A colourful, hearty piece alongside the road for motorists to enjoy. Gave me major The Beatles, Yellow Submarine film vibes.
Brazer, Amos and Beer are all local artists who leave their names around Hull. Brazer used the corrugated metal to give his tag a special 3D effect here.
Lamposts in the area don’t get ignored. Becoming a stickerbook of people who have visited the area, whether as artists or spectators leave their mark. I’ve seen Bankside Gallery stickers in Naples and Kotor oddly enough.
If you’ve ever wondered if there is an Ozzy Osbourne mural in Hull, now you have your answer. The impressive artwork dedicated to Prince of Darkness can be found on Air Street
This wall on Air Street must be a dedicated memorial wall. As well as this one to Pete Warriner, further down is one of Mac Miller and David Bowie.
It’s not just worn-down walls and derelict buildings that people are allowed to tag. This business has embraced the artistry of the area, getting repaid with a Debbie Harry mural to name a few. Some of the tags on this are signed with @sdart_poi.
A lengthy memorial to Rememberance Day at the side of a garage by local artist Posto. It’s seen better days but has faced the weather since 2019.
I take this route home every day. I noticed on June 7 that there was a huge clean-up crew painting over existing murals ready for a huge job over the weekend, organised by Girls Graff Jam. This eye piece was done by @szhdart, a Birmingham artist.
One of the most impressive new tags on Bank Side from the Girl Graff Jam event was this from @Doodle_D_
I find it so cool that such a normal industrial estate in Hull has become such a drawing point for UK street artists to become involved in.