Call for mural on former factory site
The former Hamilton's Factory site at John Street. (1503PG61)
A Derry community group say the former Hamilton shirt factory site at John Street, would be an ideal location to mark the city’s working class heritage.
On Friday, the ‘Journal’ reported that Derry City Council is currently investigating various options that would improve the site of the former factory which was demolished last year amid safety concerns .
Enagh Youth Forum (EYF) say the recently repainted gable wall at the site presents an opportunity to honour those who once worked in Derry’s shirt industry.
In a statement issued to the ‘Journal’ EYF’s management committee say a mural honouring the shirt factory heritage would be an ideal “tribute to the women who worked there and helped to sustain this city in hard times.”
The community group say the city’s working class heritage has been eroded over recent years.
“Meanwhile, during all this, Environment Minister Alex Attwood has earmarked more than £500,000 to address long standing concerns over unsightly areas and derelict buildings in and around the city centre,” the statement continues.
They say as well as the Hamilton factory site, work on the old Tillie’s factory should also pay homage to Derry’s industrial past.
“Among the most popular announcements made was the awarding of almost £100,000 to construct 80 artistic panels around the derelict former Tillie and Henderson shirt factory site.
“We at Enagh Youth Forum believe that if this is the amount of funding to be spent on artistic panels it would be better spent on portraying the working class culture and built heritage of this city which is becoming more and more eroded.
“Whilst these old buildings cannot now be replaced, they do deserve recognition and their story must live on and be told through these promised panels.”
In January 2012, two EYF members Eamonn O’Donnell and Paul Hughes were cleared of disorderly behaviour during a protest at the demolition of the former Hamilton factory.
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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