North Shields’ artistic renaissance is continuing to unfold with the latest addition to the Elevation Wall mural series.
‘Glory,’ a powerful and multi-layered artwork by local illustrator Marcus Reed, is not just a visual spectacle but a profound celebration of community, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the town. This monumental mural, on the side of the Salt Market Social building on the Fish Quay, is a striking adaptation of his artwork for the North Shields-based band Hector Gannet’s single cover for ‘All Hail, All Glory’ and a testament to collaborative effort and local pride.
Marcus is an illustrator with an international reputation and has more than played his part in this transformative local project. His distinctive graphic and geometric style, usually seen on a smaller scale, has been masterfully translated to a large canvas, adding a crucial dimension to the Elevation Wall’s diverse artistic showcase.
The creation of ‘Glory’ has been a truly collective endeavour, embodying the very essence of community. When I turned up at Salt Market Social to chat with Marcus I also had the pleasure of speaking with Fay and Dean, who, alongside Scott Adams, played a significant role in bringing Marcus’s vision to life. Their involvement highlights the grassroots nature of the project, where local residents actively contribute to shaping their town’s cultural landscape. The constraints of erecting a mural on the corrugated outside walls of the Salt Market Social building meant that Marcus had to adopt another approach and paint his artwork on panels laid on the floor inside the building.
Marcus was aware that, unlike the other artworks, this meant passers-by might not have noticed the mural’s gradual creation. But the door was always kept open and Marcus actively invited the public to come and see him and his colleagues bringing his mural to life.
As Marcus himself expressed, “It’s the people of North Shields painting something of North Shields for the people in North Shields. That is quite important to me.”
The Salt Market Social is a popular venue owned by Barney Miller and he shared his enthusiasm for the project. When I asked him what he thought, he recounted how the idea for art on the outside of the building predated the Elevation project, and also how thrilled he was when Marcus Reed was chosen as the artist. “I was over the moon,” he says, acknowledging Marcus’ respected work. The Salt Market Social is located opposite the new walkway to the Fish Quay and provides a prominent location for the mural “making it one of the first things people will see when walking down to the Fish Quay,” enthuses Barney. This strategic placement not only beautifies the area but also draws visitors to local businesses, further bolstering the community.
‘Glory’ is more than just a beautiful piece of art; it’s a narrative woven into the fabric of North Shields and artwork delves into complex themes of patriotism and conflict, drawing connections between personal histories and universal struggles. The mural’s design, with the word ‘Glory’ subtly incorporating the names of friends and colleagues no longer with us, offers a deeper layer of engagement for those who look closely. As Marcus explains, “From a distance all you can see is the word ‘Glory’ but when you get close up you can see all the tributes.” This intricate detail encourages repeat visits, inviting viewers to discover something new each time.
The Elevation project, led by a local arts charity and powered by dedicated volunteers, is a shining example of how art can redefine a town. It’s a testament to the creative energy that has always existed in North Shields, now brought to the forefront for all to see.
“North Shields is experiencing an incredible resurgence, finally gaining recognition for its vibrant music and art scenes—it’s truly phenomenal,” as Barney so aptly observes.
But the murals and the Elevation project are doing more than just transforming blank walls; they are cultivating a renewed sense of pride, connection, and community spirit and forging a compelling new legacy for future generations.
Elevation is a community arts charity founded by local residents and powered by volunteers. To mark the town’s 800th anniversary, the Elevation wall mural festival has brought together eight talented artists to create a series of large-scale public artworks over the summer of 2025. Selected by a panel of community members, the artists were set the challenge of capturing the spirit of North Shields. Find out more about the Elevation North Shields 800 Mural Trail.
Elevation has been documented and promoted in collaboration with I Love North Shields (www.ilovenorthshields.com) and Sira Studio (www.sirastudio.com).
