An underpass in Dronfield is now full of colour thanks to a community project to create a series of stunning street art murals.
The Dronfield Mural Project is a creative initiative that has brought together young people, schools, and community partners including police and other local partners to design and paint a number of large-scale public artworks that reflect the spirit and identity of the town.
The artworks, which include pictures of local landmarks, animals and nature and sporting activities, have been painted on the underpass and concrete pillars of Gosforth Drive.
Over the last few months, artist Natasha Clarke has delivered a series of workshops to around 500 students, exploring themes of community, belonging, local heritage, and pride of place.
Students were encouraged to contribute drawings, words, and symbols that capture what Dronfield means to them.
Their ideas have been carefully woven into the final mural design, ensuring the pieces truly represent the voices of the town’s youngest residents.
The mural has also been protected with anti-graffiti coating, ensuring that it will remain as a lasting and respected part of Dronfield’s townscape.
The public artworks were officially unveiled on Sunday, July 20, at a special grand opening attended by those involved in the project, including children and their families.
Sergeant David Wilson, of Dronfield Safter Neighbourhood Team, said: “This mural is more than just a piece of art. It’s a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision.
“Thanks to the creativity and dedication of local artist Natasha Clarke, that vision has come to life. Natasha has worked closely with our schools — including the students of Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School — to incorporate designs that truly reflect the spirit, history, and identity of our area.
“Their ideas, their energy, and their love for this community are now part of this wall for everyone to see.”
Police Constable Julian Matthews, of Dronfield SNT, said: “The project shows the true value of working together to create something that the whole of the community can be truly proud of.”
Doncaster-based artist Natasha said: “We were all really impressed with the creative designs and it shows just how much local residents understand and value the area where they live.”
Councillor Pat Kerry, Deputy Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “This is a great example of partnership working and shows how something beautiful can come from an area previously blighted by some of the worst types of graffiti.
“It’s wonderful how Natasha has been able to take some of the children’s ideas and transform them into these stunning artworks that can now be enjoyed by the community.”
Heather Summers, Head of Neighbourhoods at Rykneld Homes, said: “We were invited to get involved with the project and were more than happy to contribute to the improvement of the area. The project aligns with our aims and objectives to reduce anti-social behaviour, engage with young people and make communities safer and more welcoming.
"We were able to provide £1,000 funding towards the project, through the Travis Perkins Legacy fund.
"We are thrilled with how the project has progressed; the artist worked with almost 500 local children to create stunning designs that connect with local people in a meaningful way. The initial consultation has helped everyone involved to understand what is important to Dronfield residents.”
In addition to the physical mural, a curated selection of student artwork and behind-the-scenes images from the workshops will be showcased in a dedicated online gallery, allowing their contributions to be shared widely and preserved as part of the project's legacy.
All partners – Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, North East Derbyshire District Council, Rykneld Homes, Derbyshire County Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) contributed towards its cost.
Students from Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School, Unstone Juniors, St Andrew’s C of E, Gorseybrigg, William Levick, Stonelow Juniors, Penny Acres, Dronfield Juniors and Northfields worked with artist Natasha on the project.
If anyone spots graffiti in the district, they are urged to report it to North East Derbyshire District Council on 01246 231111 or online at https://www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/.
