New dog-friendly mural unveiled at George Street Canteen

The striking artwork, marking hidden history, has been created at George Street Canteen, transforming a city centre wall into a vibrant piece of public art.

A ceremony took place at 11am on Friday, February 13, at 9a George Street, which was warmly attended by members of the public, local historians, and representatives from the organisations that made the project possible.

The Arts Society generously sponsored the mural. (Image: Bob Moore)

The mural is the result of a creative collaboration between acclaimed artist Ant Steel and the charity The Arts Society St Albans, brought together by Professor Tim Boatswain, Chair of Conservation 50.

Speaking at the unveiling, Professor Tim Boatswain commented: "This work, generously sponsored by The Arts Society St Albans, is the latest in a series of murals created by Ant Steel that are transforming our city's alleys and walls into an open-air history book.

"It perfectly encapsulates Conservation 50's mission to make local history engaging, accessible, and available to all."

Quirky looking canines on the mural. (Image: Tim Boatswain)

Located on the side of the dog-friendly café, the artwork playfully pays homage to its four-legged visitors, featuring an array of canine characters drawn from past and present neighbours.

Beyond its charming and welcoming subject matter, the mural offers a deeper connection to the site's history.

The buildings once housed a butcher's shop and slaughterhouse - a fact noted by an existing blue heritage sticker and subtly echoed in the original metal fixtures preserved within the mural wall, which Steel has creatively incorporated into the design.

The artwork playfully pays homage to its four-legged visitors. (Image: Tim Boatswain)

The project was made possible by the support and permission of Kevin and Julie Lee, owners of George Street Canteen.

Meanwhile, funding was secured by The Arts Society St Albans, a member society of the wider national organisation, The Arts Society, which supports arts and heritage education through a network of over 64,000 members and more than 300 local societies across the UK and beyond.

It is hoped that the mural will not only delight the café's many customers but also encourage them to discover the rich programme of arts talks and events offered by The Arts Society St Albans.