Port Talbot Welcomes Massive Mural of Michael Sheen in Street Art Renaissance

Introduction

Port Talbot might have lost a Banksy masterpiece, but it has gained a striking mural of local actor Michael Sheen. This is part of the town's transformation into the “street art capital of Wales”.

The ARTwalk Initiative

More than 20 artworks are now featured in ARTwalk Port Talbot. This new street art trail, complete with an app, guides visitors through the coastal industrial area notable for its steelmaking. The trail includes art by various artists, such as Ame72, who painted a Lego-style figure on the rugby club, and local talents like Rarebit and Steve Jenks. Rarebit, known in daily life as tattooist Charlotte Jenkins, decorated PTArts Café walls with a fantastical design adorned with butterflies and flowers.

Founding of ARTwalk

Paul Jenkins, the founder of ARTwalk and the artistic director of theatr3, explains: “We established ARTwalk Port Talbot to connect the Banksy piece, the lively local street art scene, and other artists interested in painting in the town. A Heritage Lottery grant allowed us to commission new murals and develop a free app guiding people through the street art trail.”

Michael Sheen Mural

The mural of Michael Sheen, by Bristol-based artist Hazard One, was sponsored by Tata Steel, CJ Construction, and local donors. Hazard One believes the mural will remain as long as the building stands unless the owners decide otherwise. The large portrait was completed in two days using aerosol cans and a scaffold tower. Hazard One also created murals of Hollywood stars Richard Burton and Peg Entwistle, both natives of Port Talbot.

Michael Sheen expressed his gratitude on Twitter: "Well this is a huge honour. I am so grateful to Hazard One for this amazing piece of work and all those who have supported it. Diolch! [thanks].”

The Fate of the Banksy Piece

The Banksy mural, titled Season’s Greetings, appeared in December 2018 but was recently removed. Art dealer John Brandler purchased the piece for a significant sum; it depicts a child enjoying a snow shower, which is actually ash from a burning dumpster—a potential commentary on the area's air quality. Brandler had intended to create an urban art centre featuring Season's Greetings and another Banksy piece, Hula Hoop Girl (2020), but talks with local officials stalled.

Brandler shared with The Art Newspaper that Season’s Greetings, along with other Banksy works, would be lent to a museum exhibition in Trieste and later featured in a major street art exhibition in Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds.

A Lasting Legacy

“Losing the Banksy was certainly a disappointment, but we wanted ARTwalk to ensure a lasting legacy. Its temporary presence has actually boosted the street art scene here,” Jenkins added. Since the Banksy mural was removed, there has been a notable increase in both the quality and quantity of local street art, fueling the town's transformation.

Reports suggest a BBC documentary focusing on the town’s growing urban art scene is in the works.

Conclusion

Despite the departure of Season’s Greetings, Port Talbot's street art renaissance continues to thrive, with new murals and a vibrant art scene captivating visitors and residents alike.