Writing on the wall for artwork after decision to demolish derelict Wolverhampton factories
Most people practice painting in a sketch book but Steve Edwards has used the walls of derelict factories in a 50-yard stretch of street to perfect his art.
Now the 40-year-old is set to lose two years of work when the buildings around Pelham Street in the Merridale area are demolished but he is taking the news in his stride.
He explained: "I knew this would happen one day and it has been a fantastic learning experience.
"I have spent endless hours spray painting the walls.
"It was like painting the Golden Gate Bridge.
"You get to the end and are embarrassed by the job you did a year earlier at the start – so you go back and start again."
The block paver, who is single and lives in Castlecroft, continued: "It was like having a massive blank canvas on which to develop my skill and create an individual style.
"I have used pictures of the work to win business and am now working for people like British Waterways.
"I am elated at this change in the course of my life." The former fine art post graduate student returned to his first love after the recession hit work in the building trade.
He discovered the Tower Works in Pelham Street where he had once had a studio was now derelict. The local authority would not let him work inside but said he could paint the walls outside.
Steve said: "I would like to thank the council for giving me this chance and the local community for their support. None of the murals has been defaced while I have been working here."
He is still employed as a block paver but is spending an increasing amount of his working life on paid street-art assignments and more conventional paintings.
He concluded: "This is all down to the break the council gave me.
"Now I would like to hear from any local landlords with boarded up shops, factories or derelict factories with walls on which I could further develop my art."
Wolverhampton City Council confirmed that the buildings painted on by Steve faced imminent demolition although no specific date had been fixed for them to be knocked down.
Local authority spokesman Gurdip Thandi said: "We approached Steve to see if he would like to showcase his artwork on the building in Pelham Street, which is earmarked for demolition.
"He was given permission to safely work on the outside of the building and we are pleased with the result of his efforts.
"We will now consider adopting similar projects to other surplus buildings in the city, where possible."
Steve can be contacted through his website graffoflarge.com or by phoning the number 07530 690113.
