New Mural in York’s North Street Gardens Honors Joseph Rowntree Legacy

A bold new mural celebrating the life and legacy of the Rowntree family will begin installation from Monday 2nd June in North Street Gardens, one of York’s most central – yet sometimes overlooked – green spaces.

The mural will be delivered by acclaimed street art collective Art of Protest Projects, known for creating meaningful public art that connects people and place. The artwork marks the centenary of Joseph Rowntree’s passing and honours his lasting contributions to the city, particularly the gift of North Street Gardens by the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust in April 1959.

The mural has been commissioned by York BID in partnership with York Cares, the City of York Council, Nestlé, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and The Rowntree Society, and has been generously funded by Nestlé.

The project will become part of the York Art Trail, launched by York BID in 2024 to enrich the city with public art that celebrates York’s culture, history and people.

Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID said; “This mural is a celebration of everything Joseph Rowntree stood for – community, education and innovation. North Street Gardens is a hidden gem in our city, and we’re excited to see it revitalised through this artwork. I’d like to sincerely thank the project partners for helping to bring this exciting and important project to life.”

The mural will reimagine the space with a 46ft typography mural and imagery inspired by Rowntree’s values and legacy. The installation is part of a wider initiative to enhance the gardens which began with the York Cares Big Community Challenge in Autumn 2024.

Jeff Clark, from Art of Protest Projects, said; “We are excited to be working on this project to help tell the Rowntree’s story through art. We hope the mural invites people to pause, explore and connect with the deeper history and purpose behind North Street Gardens.”

Leanne Cooper, Market Procurement Manager at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said; “We are so pleased to be part of this project that honours the work of Joseph Rowntree and the profound impact he had on the place that Nestlé Confectionery calls its home- York. Our communities are what make Nestlé what it is, and we hope that this vibrant mural will bring joy to those who pass by. We are very proud to have supported this project and the vitality of North Street Gardens.”