SPECTACULAR PAVING ARTWORK UNVEILED A stunning carpet of new paving has been unveiled at the Town Hall Square in Rochdale, as restoration of this magnificent building continues. Central to the piece are five paving stones etched with intricate designs, created by local artist, Vic Whitaker, otherwise known as Doodlher. The carpet of paving stretches from the grade I listed war memorial and memorial gardens to the town hall entrance and will be framed by lawned areas and trees. As well as creating a stunning outdoor space for relaxation and events, the redevelopment of the square will complement the town hall, which is currently undergoing an extensive restoration funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the council. Each of the five illustrations on the carpet of paving represent a theme inspired by the interior decor, history, and memories of Rochdale Town Hall. Vic carried out broad research and worked with local community groups and volunteers to create the designs. 28 | Rochdale Style
Vic Whitaker said: “The town hall has always been really important to me. It’s beautiful, inside and out, and as an illustrator it’s always fascinated me. So when I was asked to get involved in this project, I jumped at the chance.
site of the Cenotaph). The martlet represents a plucky attitude towards life where achievements are gained through self- driven actions, and not a birth-given right.
"Exploring the town hall and untangling the secrets of its interior decor has been a real adventure into its history and design. I hope that my artwork encourages others to step inside and hunt down the imagery that inspired the artwork.” Vic shared more information about the complex designs with Style... INDUSTRY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP Vic said this piece represents: "Rochdale’s industrial strength, its coat of arms and how the two came to be represented in the Town Hall decor... A fleece is suspended from a millrind by torse. Beneath the fleece is a woolpack. "Two martlets fly above. Martlets can be found in the decor throughout the Town Hall... In the Rochdale coat of arms, the martlets originate from the Dearden family who acquired the Rochdale Manor in 1823 (now the
"A cotton plant weaves its way around and the design. "Painting, construction and architecture tools sit at the bottom of the design – representing the Town Hall’s creators and how they translated Rochdale’s vision of itself into the decor and architecture we see today."
