MURAL UNVEILED TO CELEBRATE S&DR200 BICENTENARY
Darlington celebrates mural honouring Arthur Wharton and town’s role in changing the world.
Darlington Borough Council has joined forces with the Arthur Warton Foundation to unveil a striking new mural that celebrates both the town’s pivotal role in global history and the achievements of the world’s first black professional footballer.
Commissioned by the Arthur Wharton Foundation and funded through Darlington Borough Council’s Creative Darlington project, the mural is titled “We Changed the World from Here” and was created by Dan Walls (Illumination Wall Art).
The artwork, unveiled during the S&DR200 festival year, also marks the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. It depicts the Skerne Bridge, the world’s oldest working railway bridge which appeared on the £5 note, alongside George Stephenson and Locomotion No. 1.
The mural also pays tribute to Arthur Wharton, born in Ghana and who became a goalkeeper for Darlington F.C. in the 1880s, making him the first black professional footballer. A remarkable all-round athlete, Wharton was also a talented sprinter, cricketer, and rugby player. His sporting life was closely connected to Darlington’s railway heritage, as he often travelled by train to compete in matches and events across the country. In his own writings, Wharton recording the significance of those journeys.
Shaun Campbell, founder of the Arthur Wharton Foundation, said: “Arthur Wharton’s story is an inspiration that reaches far beyond sport. He broke down barrier and achieved greatness at a time when the odds were stacked against him. It is fitting that his story is now entwined with the railway heritage that put Darlington on the map – a town that truly changed the world.”
Councillor Libby McCollom, Cabinet Member for Local Services, said: “Darlington’s history is one of global impact, from the birth of the modern railway to the legacy of Arthur Wharton. This mural is a vibrant celebration of that story, and we are proud to support the Arthur Wharton Foundation in bringing it to life for our community and visitors during this historic year.”
This mural can be seen at the Arthur Wharton Foundation in Widdowfield Street, serving as a lasting reminder of Darlington’s pioneering spirit and its contribution to changing the world.
