Artist celebrates Cumbria as a location for artistic inspiration with his murals

World-renowned international street artist and poet Dan Ryder, known as Angry Dan, has painted five murals in Cleator Moor to celebrate Cumbria’s historic importance as a location for artistic inspiration.

Angry Dan’s Lakes Limericks Trail has encapsulated the work of world famous artists and poets William Wordsworth, LS Lowry, Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and JMW Turner who were all inspired by Cumbria.

Dan spent two weeks creating the murals and has received positive feedback - particularly from the younger generation.

Dan, who has travelled to Mexico and Iceland as part of his artwork, said: “The aim of the project was to inspire the children of the area by bringing history, culture and local heritage to life through art and poetry, and highlighting how Cumbria was a muse for so many Great British poets and artists like LS Lowry, who included Cleator Moor in five of his paintings."

Dan Ryder prepares his canvas on the side of the Cleator Moor Town Council building ahead of creating a mural (Image: Newsquest)

“We’ve enjoyed engaging with the young people of the area, handing out stickers and postcards to all the kids who have come to see what we’re up to, and it’s been wonderful to see their reactions to the murals.

“It’s been a really worthwhile project and I’m pleased that it’s really struck a chord with lots of people."

Dan’s work has been documented on camera by his friend and filmmaker Rob Key, and a premiere of the documentary is set to be held in Cleator Moor in the coming months.

Angry Dan’s Lakes Limericks Trail was commissioned by Cumbrian company Blank Wall Assassins as part of a programme of community events backed by iSH (Industrial Solutions Hub), which aims to create jobs and opportunities in the region.

John Maddison, managing director of iSH, said: “iSH wants to help communities in West Cumbria grow, and artwork like this inspires families throughout the town. It has become a real talking point in the area."

“Community events like this are about bringing something different to the area. This type of project helps raise people’s aspirations.

"It has been great to see the community really show their support for the initiative.”

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