Celebration of Olympic Runner Phoebe Gill in Mural

A vibrant mural celebrating significant figures and events in Harpenden's history has been unveiled, featuring 17-year-old Olympian Phoebe Gill. The artwork, located in a tunnel on Station Road, also honors notable personalities such as comedian Eric Morecambe and former Paralympic footballer David Philip Clarke. The project, funded by Hertfordshire County Council, was designed by local resident Alison Bourke, who collaborated with students from Sir John Lawes and St George's secondary schools, the latter being Gill's alma mater. Phoebe Gill, a talented runner from St Albans, made headlines as the youngest member of Team GB's athletics squad, reaching the semi-finals in the 800m event. The mural not only highlights her achievements but also includes tributes to Victorian actress Ellen Terry and a depiction of 18th-century harvesting, showcasing the town's rich history. The artwork was created by licensed street artists MurWalls, who utilized anti-graffiti paint to ensure its longevity. In an effort to make the mural accessible to all, including those with visual impairments, a QR code will be available later this year, allowing visitors to listen to an audio description of the mural, developed by the David Katz Foundation. Phil Bibby, the executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, expressed gratitude to all collaborators, emphasizing the mural as a testament to community partnership aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and promoting walking and cycling in the area.