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.

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.

"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

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.

"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."

WORLD CONNECTIONS

Vic said: "The Town Hall’s decor showcases Rochdale’s view of itself in the arena of global commerce. A docked trading ship sits at the centre of the image atop the parallels and meridians of a globe.

"A roll of cloth sits at the bottom of the image from which two vines of flora grow: one a cotton plant, featured heavily throughout the Town Hall’s decor; the other a grapevine, harder to find but still featured inside, it’s the perfect representation for fertility, cultivation and growth of the town, even today.

A WORKING TOWN HALL

Vic explained: "The design aims to represent the Town Hall’s use as a working environment.

"The design depicts the events of the clock tower fire. Although the true cause of this fire was never determined, in this design we can see that it seems to be the dragon who is to blame.

"St George and his dragon featured on the spire of the original tower. In this design, St George plays the role of the

brave ‘fire bobby’. He wears a Victorian firefighter’s helmet and carries a pair of police shackles on his belt. He represents the fire and police service who were based at the Town Hall.

"The dragon’s tail points to the metal goblet that was forged from the molten remains of the original tower’s bell. Books and documents fall from the sky to the right of the tower.

"At the tower’s base was the original library and town-clerk offices. Many documents were lost in the fire, despite the efforts of brave officers and town hall workers who entered the burning building to rescue them.

"The rose that grows around the design is taken from the former Magistrate’s Court."

A GREAT HALL

Vic shared: "The Great Hall is perhaps one of the most jaw-dropping spaces within the Town Hall. It is a place of kings and queens but intended for the people of Rochdale. This design aims to symbolise the people’s memory of the Great Hall."

"Two of the Great Hall angels flank the organ that sits at the centre of the design. Dances, brass bands, singing and music have been the centre of many gatherings in this hall so have become the soul of this design.

"Flora from the Great Hall’s incredible wall decor is growing around and into the design, holding a teapot and teacup (representing tea dances) at the top of the artwork."

THE FUTURE

Vic said: "This design takes most of its imagery from the Mayor’s Parlour. It represents the ideals of a greener future, whilst also pushing the Rochdale ideals of people working together, forever forward-thinking.

"The roots of the flowers are a network representing technology and innovation. The oak tree is deeply rooted – a symbol of strength and wisdom, harking back to Rochdale’s long heritage of achievement.

"The river Roch flows... and in it strides a heron – now a common sight in the town centre. Herons were believed to be a symbol of guardianship and restful contemplation. The bird’s chicks call to it from the nest. New life, the next generation.

"Of course, the river would not be complete without a fish. During the industrial period, fish disappeared from the Roch, but now they are back. A true contrast to the original era of the creation of the Town Hall’s decor, and so in its sense, futuristic."

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for equity, safety and reform at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This beautiful piece of artwork doesn’t just look stunning, it tells the story of Rochdale’s past and its future, and I think it’s spectacular. This project is about giving the town hall back to the people of Rochdale and helping them feel a connection to this incredible place, which belongs to us all."

The town hall square is opening in phases with the town hall itself expected to reopen in early 2024.

Lucy Fieldhouse