Dearsbury Village Gate Mural

In homage to Lewis Carroll, born in Daresbury, I was commissioned to revitalise a time-worn black gate in Daresbury Village—an area where I’ve successfully completed many projects over the years. Rather than opting for a simple black repaint, I envisioned an enchanting mural that embraced the gate’s age and character, using the deteriorating paint itself as a textured foundation.

After carefully sanding back the flaking surface with an orbital sander, the gate was transformed into a working canvas. I then freehand-sketched a scene inspired by Alice in Wonderland, bringing the iconic Cheshire Cat to life through bold acrylic silhouettes.

Once complete, the mural was sealed with an acrylic-based varnish infused with golden flakes, adding a subtle shimmer. To finish, two coats of oil-based varnish were applied, creating a rich yellow-golden glow. I later returned in June 2025 to redo and refresh the mural, ensuring it continues to shine as a magical and enduring tribute to Carroll’s legacy.