Stony Stratford is acquiring another mural, one that will stand approximately 30ft high and be dedicated to Eleanor of Castile, wife of Edward I, the queen whose cortege in 1290 inspired the Queen Eleanor cross that once stood in the town.
Local artist Luke McDonnell has chosen Eleanor, not just because of her connection to Stony Stratford, but for her association with aspects of modern day life in today’s town: her literary and business interests.
Eleanor was a strong woman who accompanied her husband on crusade. She bore Edward many children. Her husband adored her, writing of Eleanor after her death: "… whom living we dearly cherished, and whom dead we cannot cease to love".
Residents of Stony Stratford, Luke’s home town, have already seen his work in a new restaurant in the High Street. His company, Chiba Creative has also decorated walls as far afield as the Channel Islands, Broadway in New York and San Francisco.
Luke put aside his dreams of becoming a rock stardom when he realised his enormous talent for graphic art. In the four years since forming Chiba Creative with his business partner Mike Evans, the two artists have developed a wide portfolio of work, from branding, animation, illustration to giant murals.
“The murals are our favourite work,” said Luke. “I absolutely love this town and have wanted to put my mark on Stony Stratford since I first moved here. I now have that the opportunity. The story of Eleanor is a great inspiration.”
Luke has worked with some of the local children from Stony Bizkids in order to finalise details for the design. The mural will be funded in part by Stony Stratford Town Council and Milton Keynes Arts Fund.
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