Art / mural
New mural illuminates neighbourhood’s rich labour and trade history
A new mural celebrates the fascinating labour and trade history of a Bristol neighbourhood.
The intricate artwork in Old Market has been painted by Slovakian-born artist Zase, who took ten days to complete the piece entirely using spray cans.
Evoking the style of old photographs, the mural depicts a mix of animals, people and architecture, from men in peaked caps and ceremonial clothing to historic buildings – all harking back to the time when Old Market was, as the name suggests, the marketplace of Bristol.
It has been painted on the side of Shepherd’s Hall, sandwiched between the Stag and Hounds and Long Bar, a former meeting place for socialist and labour groups.
Zase told Bristol24/7 he hopes that the mural will “bring pride to Old Market and help people reconnect with the area’s history.”
A new mural on David Street celebrates the rich labour history of Old Market
Delving deeper into the stories told by the artwork, a fascinating history is revealed.
Built in 1889, Shepherd’s Hall originally served as a meeting place for a society similar to the Freemasons.
The Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds was a benevolent organisation established during a time when there was no state welfare system, providing mutual aid to working people.
Members paid regular fees into a communal fund, which was then used to support members who were sick, injured or in need of burial assistance.
The building went on to play a pivotal role in the 1901 Bristol Tramway workers’ strike.
When seven men were sacked for being members of the National Union of Gas Workers and General Labourers, a meeting was held at Shepherd’s Hall.
Bristol Tramways sent ticket inspectors to collect the names of those attending, resulting in a further 90 being dismissed.
Zase has stated that he wanted to show that “even when a building is restored and given a new purpose, its heritage can still remain present”.
Old Market, as the name suggests, began as Bristol’s earliest medieval marketplace located outside the city’s castle walls
Zase has been involved in graffiti since 1996 and has followed his passion as a career from Slovakia to Switzerland and then to the UK.
Having now settled in Bristol, Zase said that he “loves the vibe, the creativity, the diversity and the freedom the city gives to artists”.
Speaking about his pride for the city and passion for street art, Zase said: “Street art is everything to me — it has shaped my whole life.
“Even though I’m originally from Slovakia, I’ve lived in Bristol for almost 20 years, and this city has one of the strongest street art cultures anywhere.
“Being able to contribute to that scene means a lot to me, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
All photos: Tom Dear
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