I recently had the incredible fortune to contribute to the preparation of the wall for Prefab’s breathtaking new mural, Net Worth. This vibrant artwork now graces the gable end of Lin’s Seafoods, situated right in the bustling heart of the Fish Quay. It was an absolute pleasure to play even a very small part in the creation of a piece of art that I believe the local community will cherish and appreciate for many decades to come, adding a significant cultural landmark to the area.
It’s a magnificent work of art and should be observed both from a distance and also close up. From a distance it is awe-inspiring and shows a hard-as-nails, steely-eyed fisherman who is determined to defend his industry and heritage. Close up there are the smaller details, such as Prefab’s take on his ‘favourite Coastal Terrorist and chipsnatcher,’ the seagull, wearing his trademark balaclava. There is also a nod to I Love North Shields, if you can spot it.
This piece, he explains, carries a more overtly political message than ‘The Siren’, reflecting his views on Brexit. Having lived in the vast, unified United States, he finds the decision to leave the European Union profoundly illogical. “It makes no sense. Why would you do that?” he quipped, lamenting the barriers now in place between the UK and Europe.
Prefab77’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Born in North Shields, he first escaped into the Army before finding his way into design and printing, a skill that would carry him across the Atlantic. In New York, he built a reputation in graphic design and fashion, working with brands like Esprit, Fila, and Calvin Klein, while absorbing the raw energy of street art, punk rock, and DIY culture. Returning home after 9/11, he established himself in the UK street art scene, opening Electrik Sheep in Newcastle and developing his distinctive stencil style.
Prefab77 may be an international artist but he is also a North Shields native and his fascinating journey has undoubtedly shaped his art. He describes himself as “from Shields,” and speaks of a long-held desire to bring his art to “the houses and walls down here,” a place he calls his haven.
To see his art transform the very fabric of our town through the Elevation Walls project is truly something special. His art, as ever, serves as a platform for his strong opinions, a testament to his belief that art can spark dialogue and challenge perceptions.
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).
