Legal art wall continues to brighten Melksham underpass

The legal art wall at the A350 Bath Road underpass continues to bring colour and creativity to Melksham, with the space described as ‘invaluable’ for local artists.

Launched in September 2024, the wall was the first of its kind in Wiltshire and remains a changing canvas for graffiti artists throughout the year. Managed by Melksham Arts Group on behalf of Wiltshire Council, it provides a dedicated space for artwork within agreed guidelines.

Since opening, the project has attracted steady praise from passers-by and helped shift attitudes towards graffiti.

A member of the group, Baz Hurlow, said, “Every time we are down there painting, we have no end of good comments from the general public walking by. We have multiple people stop and speak to us, commenting and saying how it has brightened up the town and how it is nice to look at. It’s just been a nice thing to look at. The general public has perceived it really, really well.”

He said the wall is also changing residents’ perceptions of graffiti.

“There are always a couple of members of the public who say they never really liked it and didn’t understand it. Now they have seen what graffiti can be instead of just tags and they really like it because they then believe it’s an art form, which it definitely is.”

Artwork at the wall often reflects seasonal themes, including Christmas and Valentine’s Day, with new designs regularly replacing older pieces.

“I think it is invaluable to have a wall like this in Melksham,” said Baz. “It’s nice having something so local for artists to showcase their talents and you don’t get that in a lot of places. I think it’s done brilliantly.”

The project was first initiated by the Melksham Area Board to give artists the opportunity to showcase their talent legally and help deter vandalism elsewhere. Artists can turn up and paint, provided they follow the council’s rules.

“You can just turn up and pick a spot on the wall and paint as you wish,” said Baz. “Wiltshire Council is in charge of the wall; they own it. They have put rules in place including, nothing offensive, nothing political and nothing rude.

“If there is anything offensive, one of us from the group will come back with a pot of white paint and paint over it. That space is then open to anyone to contribute something onto.”

Melksham Arts Group is now working with Wiltshire Council to explore the creation of similar walls in other towns across the county.

Last year, Wiltshire Council said there had been a significant reduction in illegal graffiti and littering in the first six months after the wall was launched.