Maryport is now home to a series of colourful pieces by artist Alan Roper, displayed across public areas as part of Cumberland Council’s £12 million regeneration scheme.
With funding allocated by the UK Government, the artwork forms a central part of the council’s wider plans, with pieces featured on map boards, the stage and bar at the Harbourside event space, inside the town hall, and on the exterior of Maryport Activity Centre.
Alan Roper, the artist behind the work, said: “It has been an honour to get involved with the regeneration work, for the town where I live.
“I try to make my work original by developing ideas which contain images within an image and use fine art painting methods to carry them out.
“I hope you enjoy looking at the work as much as I have enjoyed doing it.”
The first piece installed was on the public toilets near the waterfront, featuring a ‘latrine’ and soldier wraparound to reflect Maryport’s Roman heritage.
During the Taste of the Sea festival, Mr Roper created a canvas showing Senhouse Street from its Georgian roots to the present day.
Recent additions include artwork designed to reflect the future of Maryport Activity Centre, while other pieces blend the town’s musical and maritime identity on shipping containers at the Harbourside.
His designs also appear on signage for the Shipping Brow Gallery and will be featured in the new Maritime Museum, set to open in Christ Church this autumn, as well as the Carlton creative hub.
Mr Roper has also received commissions from groups including the Sea Cadets and Scouts.
One of his most prominent pieces is displayed at The Settlement education and creative hub, which led to his appearance on BBC Countryfile.
Many of the artworks include a hidden ‘M’ for Maryport, most visible on the map boards used in public spaces.
Lamp post banners throughout the town centre highlight popular businesses and buildings as part of the cohesive design.
Mr Roper is a graphic designer who trained at Carlisle College and Newcastle University.
He lives in Maryport and also teaches art.
Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “We wanted a theme which ran through all of the regeneration projects to really make them stand out as pieces of public art as well as brilliant facilities and Alan has done this perfectly.
“The trail of colourful creations has become a landmark in itself.
“Go and have a wander and see what you can spot as you explore all that Maryport has to offer.”
