Words: Andy Dalton
A graffiti-daubed wall has been transformed into a panorama of colour.
The external wall of the old ‘Mission Room’ in Mistress Lane, Armley, has received a complete makeover.
A colourful mural has replaced graffiti. Woodland trees and bushes have been painted to complement the adjoining grassland and vegetation.
Artist Trafford Parsons volunteered his skills to Leeds City Mission, who are renovating the Mission Room.
On completion it will host a ‘compassion centre’ with a number of projects for people struggling with life. A dull red-bricked external wall has been changed into a delight of colour.
Artist Trafford based his mural on a biblical theme – the ‘fruits of the Spirit’. Amidst the painted tree branches the discerning onlooker can identify key word from the bible – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
He explained that the theme of the mural captures the ethos and spirit of Leeds City Mission who are completing a two year long renovation project on the building.
City Mission development worker Andy Dalton explained that Trafford was just one of 42 volunteers who have given their time and skills to work on the building in the last 24 months. To date, 2,300 hours have been given.
Volunteers have also tidied up the surrounding area – bushes have been cut back, rubbish removed and bulbs planted.
They have worked hard at improving adjoining land that previously had been used for illicit activities and anti-social behaviour.
Andy Dalton concluded: “We hope to have completed all the remaining work by the Spring. It’s been a long haul, made even more difficult by the pandemic. This mural is fantastic and we hope it will delight shoppers and residents in the area.”
Leeds City Mission is a Christian agency which has worked with marginalised people over three centuries and seeks to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of Leeds residents. It was founded in 1837 and is one of the city’s oldest charities.