First Images Released of 100 Years, 100 Faces Mural Celebrating Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary

Commissioned and funded by Stoke-on-Trent Business Improvement District (BID), the mural has been brought to life by local artists Rob Fenton and Alastair Barnett, whose work captures the faces and stories of the city across generations. The large-scale public artwork is set to reflect the past, present, and future of Stoke-on-Trent, featuring portraits that honour the people who have shaped the city’s cultural identity.

A short film and series of behind-the-scenes photographs document the journey from planning to painting, offering insight into the meticulous process behind the mural. Back in March, a diverse panel of judges assembled to whittle down over 200 nominations by half. Since then, Rob and Alastair have been working behind the scenes bringing bright ideas from sketches to reality.

“The project has shown the interconnectivity of people in our city” said Rob Fenton, Project Manager for the mural. “It’s incredibly rewarding as a local artist to be working on this project and it has been great to depict so many of this city’s icons. I would imagine it not to be a quick visit when the public gets to see the mural - it’s packed with hidden gems.”

The technical aspects of creating the mural have been just as integral as the storytelling. Lead Artist Alastair Barnett said:

 “We have blended traditional methods with modern technology, which has been of real help for a project as ambitious as this one. We have had around a 2.5 hour time limit per portrait, so by using VR headsets to do our stencils we have saved a lot of time. We blew up each m² and used it as a projection to work from across the 12 metre tall building.” 

The mural not only commemorates 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was officially federated as a city but also pays tribute to the resilience, creativity, and character of its people. By blending traditional hand-painting with modern tools and techniques, the duo have created an artwork that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in the city’s heritage.

Richard Buxton, CEO of Stoke-on-Trent BID, said:
“100 Years, 100 Faces is more than just a mural – it’s a celebration of who we are as a city. Rob and Alastair have created something that reflects the pride of our community, and it’s a legacy that will inspire both residents and visitors for years to come.”