A new mural reflecting the ever-evolving world of work in Market Harborough has gone on display this week at Harborough Museum.
The piece, which has been co-curated by local residents and Leicestershire County Council’s Culture Leicestershire team, was inspired by the classic Ladybird Book series, ‘People at Work,’ which was released sixty years ago by the then Loughborough-based publisher.
The project is part of our commitment to commission Creative Practitioners to use their skills and experience to bring our museums and libraries to life.
Earlier this year, the ‘Harborough at Work’ exhibition looked at how occupations and attitudes have changed since the People at Work series was published.
Funded by Arts Council England as part of our National Portfolio (NPO) organisation status, artists Amy Nicholson and Suzy Gunn of HandMade Theatre have led the work to showcase the diverse and varied way in which people earn a living across the Harborough district.
Divided into six sections, the mural looks at uniformed jobs such as the police and postal services, to unpaid volunteering work and working from home, to highlight the ever-changing flexibility of some industries.
There’s also a highlight of the 800-year-old market, alongside the independent businesses which makes Harborough a culturally rich and diverse area.
"These amazing murals are a great reflection of both our past and present. They bring together the then and now, highlighting the evolving nature of today’s workplaces.
“This is a chance to bring together our history and local people’s experiences, so if you’re a fan of art, the Ladybird Book series, or both, I’d encourage you to visit the museum and see it for yourself.”
Person:Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for heritage
Jeanie, who is one of the participants who features in the mural said, “I’m so excited to see myself on the mural, it’s me in the museum!”
The mural’s unique background is a collage from local magazines, maps, and books, symbolising the important role history plays in shaping the present, with local people and local community groups to make it a truly local Harborough mural.
The art murals are on display now at Harborough Museum, The Symington Building, LE16 7LT until 31 January 2025. Harborough Museum is open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm, and Saturday, 10am-4pm.
More information can be found by visiting, the Harborough Museum website or the Culture Leicestershire website.