Monday 4 April 2016

"We Saved It"

Starley Road Mural


I have included more detail about the story 
behind this mural (further down the page).


(Below) are some of the late Victorian houses that
line Starley Road close to Coventry City Centre.
The road was named after James Starley,
father of the bicycle industry.


The story goes something like this:  
The bombs that fell on Coventry during the Blitz
in WW2 missed Starley Road leaving this road in tact.
In 1970s the Council came up with an unpopular plan 
to demolish this inner-city terraced street
and replace it with a tower block. 
The local residents had other ideas.  
A mural was painted (not the one you see here)
on this end terraced house.  It was a picture of a tower block
 with an X through it and the words 'Starley Road - Save It'.
By September, 1978, the residents did just that.  
They formed the City's first ever housing cooperative
and replaced the mural with the one shown here today.
Below is the full size mural declaring
'We Saved It'.


There is a small children's park next to this building.

Participating in Monday Mural



18 comments:

Fun60 said...

It is a pity more terraced streets were not saved from the 60s and 70s growth of high rise flats.

Cloudia said...

Inspiring tale!

Tanya Breese said...

that is great!

William Kendall said...

A good story, and a terrific mural!

RedPat said...

I love this story!

Tom said...

often when people unite in a common cause important things happen

Petrea Burchard said...

I'm glad they saved it!

Linda said...

Good for them! Nice mural too.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

People power at it's best. Thanks for contributing to this week's Monday Mural.

Lowell said...

What a wonderful story and another example of what people can do when they unite for justice! Re your comment on L & L: Yes, it was 83 degrees F yesterday and should be the same today with lots of sunshine. :)

Betty said...

Great to see that piece of authentic Coventry architecture preserved. Wonderful mural!

Sharon said...

What a great story of a community working together.

Halcyon said...

A nice way to remember these people! Love that it's a very inclusive mural. :)

Jens Hamn said...

the history is full of surprises! emouvant and very successful this painting !

Stewart M said...

Not everything that is old like this needs to swept away - glad to see this as a good story.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Jack said...

Such an uplifting story! Congratulations to the residents.

Stephanie said...

Beautiful mural with an uplifting story.

Karl said...

A beautiful and a BIG mural !