An artist famed for his mural tributes has explained the reasoning behind his painting of the Queen.

The walls outside the Arthur Wharton Foundation, in Darlington, have recently become a hotspot for artistic graffiti, from inspirational messages to poignant tributes.

Now, Shaun Campbell has told how he is indebted to the service Her Majesty gave to the United Kingdom.

Work began on the new mural on Wednesday and Campbell hopes to have it complete before the funeral on Monday.

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“She’s been part of our lives for all of our lives and I had to do something,” he said.

“I’m going to keep working right up until the actual funeral itself on Monday. When the funeral has been this will be done.”

Campbell plans to paint the flags of all 52 of the Commonwealth nations below the outline of the Queen to represent her multinational role as a world leader.

People throughout Darlington and from further afield have previously visited the museum to view the mural adorning its walls, which include tributes to the England men’s and women’s football team and Darlington Football Club.

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Explaining the thought process behind the latest design, Campbell said: “I thought it needs to be simple, not too elaborate, but needs to be really dignified and really symbolic.

“The colour purple is the colour of the royals.”

People can follow the mural's progress at the Arthur Wharton Foundation Facebook page or in person at the junction of Drury Street and Widdowfield Street in Darlington. 

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