Ashfall Mural by Peachzz Unveiled in South Elmsall

A striking new mural celebrating South Elmsall’s past and future has been unveiled in the Yorkshire town. Created by internationally renowned artist Peachzz. The artwork forms part of the Crossings and Gateways public art programme led by Wakefield Council and Beam.

A Tribute to Past and Future

Called ‘Ashfall’, the mural in South Elmsall reflects the town’s journey. Moving from its coal mining heritage toward a future “blossoming with possibility.” At its heart is a young roe deer, resting among bright flowers. Behind it, the faint outlines of coal mining structures pay tribute to the community’s proud industrial past.

“This piece is about holding space for both memory and growth,” explained Peachzz. “The young roe deer, nestled among blooms, represents the youth of South Elmsall, full of life and possibility. Behind it, the misty outlines of the old coal mining structures still linger. A quiet nod to the town’s deep-rooted history. For me, the contrast between these elements creates a moment suspended in time. Where past and future sit side by side.”

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A Personal Connection

As the piece was being painted, the mural became far more personal for Peachzz than she expected. On Instagram, she shared how working in South Elmsall brought back powerful family memories:

“I painted it in South Elmsall, a mining town not too different from Alfreton, a place where my grandad lived and where I spent much of my childhood. He was a miner, and my great-grandad lost his life in the mines. Those memories came flooding back as I painted, and I found myself feeling emotional.

The town has changed over the years, and painting Ashfall gave me a way to reflect on that, to reconnect with the past while looking toward the future. The deer in the painting represents the youth and the spring taking over, but still holding space for what came before.

I painted a moon in the deer’s eye for my grandad. ‘To the moon and back.’”

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Created With the Community

The design was shaped with the help of local people. Peachzz worked with children, young people and residents. Gathering ideas from Carlton Lane Primary School, 23 (South Elmsall) Squadron Air Training Corps and groups at South Elmsall Library, including the Writers and Poetry groups.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said:

“We’re really pleased to unveil this beautiful mural celebrating South Elmsall’s past and the town’s future. It’s fantastic to see how the artist has incorporated ideas from the local community. I hope that this makes everyone in South Elmsall feel really proud of the place they live every time they walk past.”

Local businesses have also welcomed the new addition. Daniel Harris, Area Manager at One Stop, commented:

“This mural painting is so impressive. It’s a beautiful way to represent the local area, nodding to its mining roots along with highlighting its wonderful wildlife. The painting will certainly be a piece of art that will be enjoyed by the community and visitors for many years to come.”

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About the Artist

Peachzz is a UK-based artist whose vibrant, nature-inspired murals can be found across the UK and the World. She has collaborated with organisations including UPS, NME, ITV, The British Council, Avanti West Coast and The Wildlife Trust. In 2024 her large Heron mural in Sheffield won 2nd Place in the prestigious Street Art Cities Annual Awards. You can follow Peachzz here.

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Crossings and Gateways

The South Elmsall mural is the fourth artwork to be installed as part of Crossings and Gateways. A programme bringing large-scale public murals to communities across the Wakefield district. The project continues the legacy of ‘Our Year – Wakefield District 2024‘. This is a year-long celebration of culture and creativity supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Arts Council England. For more about Our Year, visit: experiencewakefield.co.uk/our-year-2024

For more Inspiring City articles you will like, take a look at…

• ‘Reverie’ the Giant Mural of a Heron by Peachzz in Sheffield
• ‘Futures Past and Present’ Mural from Nomad Clan in Doncaster
• Athena Rising Mural overlooks Leeds Train Station
• Evolution of an Artist – The Art of Mak Murals