Former Evesham High Street Argos transformed into artwork

The former Argos building on Evesham’s high street has been given a new lease of life thanks to artist Milan Topalovic.

The mural, the brainchild of Evesham Place Board, depicts two 19th-century shops, Mabel’s Fancy Dress and George & Sons.

Tom Tarver, director of Johnsons Property Consultants and chair of the Evesham Place Board, said: “The mural has already created a tremendous buzz around the town since it was installed with lots of positive feedback about it.

“I urge people to go and have a look for themselves and see which parts of Evesham’s amazing heritage they can identify.

“It’s the start of a series of projects we are working on that will help support the long-term vision in the investment prospectus.”

BEFORE: The former Argos was boarded up to prevent a rough sleeper from setting up camp (Image: Wychavon District Council)

At a town council meeting last year, the shopfront at 41 to 43 High Street was labelled an “eyesore” after being boarded up to prevent a rough sleeper from setting up camp.

Councillors called for a splash of colour to the boards, which has now certainly been achieved.

READ MORE: Former Argos 'eyesore' prompts Evesham Town Council action

Mabel’s Fancy Dress is a tribute to Mabel Suffield, born in Evesham in 1870.

She is the mother of JRR Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

George & Sons meanwhile is named after John George, a fruiterer who owned a grocery shop on Evesham High Street in the mid-1800s.

There are also references to Edward the Confessor granting Evesham market town status, the legend of St Egwin founding Evesham Abbey, the Battle of Evesham, a nod to the Vale of Evesham’s importance as a produce-growing region, and much more.

The mural was funded through Wychavon District Council’s share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and carried out by Evesham Place Board, formed out of Wychavon’s town centre investment prospectuses launched last year.

AFTER: The mural was created by the artist, Milan Topalovic (Image: Wychavon District Council)

READ MORE: Plans for 'ambitious' transformation of Evesham town centre unveiled

The board is made up of representatives from various sections of Evesham’s community, including event organisers, businesses, Evesham Civic Society, and councils.

So far it has supported the revival of Evesham’s brass bands in the park programme, distributed a promotional ‘What’s on in the Vale 2023’ guide to more than 22,000 households and ran a social media campaign to encourage people to visit the town’s restaurants to try Vale of Evesham asparagus.

Projects currently in the pipeline include improving the appearance and accessibility of the town centre and improving the way Evesham markets itself as a visitor destination. Announcements are expected later in the year.

“There are challenges and change ahead but we have some tremendous assets we can build on in Evesham, including a beautiful riverside setting,” added Mr Tarver.

“As a board, we’re very optimistic about the town’s future.”