Peterborough's Street Art: A Colorful Tribute to Local Legends and Culture

A new exhibition called Diesel Streets: A Peterborough Wall Story has opened at the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery, running from 7 February to 23 May. The exhibition is created by Nathan Murdoch, a local artist who has spent over twenty years making street art in Peterborough. Inside the museum, visitors can see a large white wall covered with four colorful murals, each telling a different story about the city and its people. Nathan Murdoch says that street art has played a big role in his life and in shaping the way Peterborough looks today. He believes that the stories painted on the city's walls taught him as much as any classroom. For Nathan, street art is not just about graffiti or painting on walls. It is about sharing stories, expressing feelings, and giving a voice to people who are often left out of traditional art spaces. The exhibition focuses on themes like class, belonging, and resilience, showing how street art can help people feel connected to their community. One special part of the exhibition is a tribute to Y2SK8, a place that was important for Peterborough's skateboarding and graffiti scene. There is also an interactive installation where visitors can add their name to a train, which is a fun way to experience the idea of leaving your mark, just like graffiti artists do. The exhibition uses spray paint, old photos, and new artworks to show how street art has changed the city over the years. Visitors can see piles of spray paint cans and murals that bring the city's history to life. Alongside the exhibition, there is a free program of artist-led talks and workshops, supported by the Arts Council. These workshops are especially for young people and will take place during the Easter holidays, giving them a chance to learn about street art and try it themselves. The museum has worked with Nathan Murdoch for many years and first talked about doing a solo exhibition with him in 2020. A spokesperson for the museum said that Nathan is proud of Peterborough and his work shows the creativity and positive spirit of a city that is sometimes overlooked for its art. Peterborough Positive, the city's business improvement group, says the exhibition shows how street art can turn everyday places into important cultural landmarks that tell real local stories. They have also started a new street art trail and map to help people explore the murals around the city. The exhibition will be open until 23 May, and some highlights include the tribute to Y2SK8 and posters showing street art from the 1980s. There are also murals of famous people, like the Beatles and Walter Cornelius, each with their own story. The museum encourages people to visit, learn about the art, and discover the stories behind it. If you have a story about Peterborough, you can contact the museum or follow local news online. This exhibition is a great way to see how street art is part of Peterborough's history and culture, helping people feel proud of their city and showing that art can be found everywhere, not just in galleries.