How street artist Trafford is aiming to brighten up derelict space with his 'DewsBowie' paintings

Internationally-renowned Trafford decided to cheer up a derelict space in Old Westgate at the back of the police station.

Trafford, who has a studio in nearby Daisy Hill, spent four hours painting two images of David Bowie one blue and one red. The artwork is entitled “DewsBowie”.

“People may have been a little bit scared because it’s at the back of the police station but a lot of people stopped to say hello as I was painting,” said Trafford.

“I was wearing my hi-vis and that’s what you do when you want to be invisible!

“David Bowie is one of the major influences on my life.

“He took his weaknesses and made them strengths and I am saying this is the kind of person I am.”

Trafford is from Manchester and travels the world creating artworks but he’s lived in Dewsbury for 20 years, though he doesn’t broadcast the fact.

“I’m quite metropolitan and I believe I live in a city that runs from Hull to Liverpool,” he said.

“I am quite a private person but I do talk to people. On the market they call me van Gogh!”

Trafford said he hopes to put the fun back into Dewsbury and encourage people’s love for art.

“By doing this myself it gives other people agency,” he said.

“Let’s have some fun and joy in Dewsbury.”

Trafford is talking to Kirklees Council about a commission for a giant artwork for Dewsbury saying “Ey Up”.

“I want it to be the first piece of work that gets the place on fire as part of the regeneration of the town,” he said.

“I could paint it but it could also be a neon.

“This needs to be a big piece up high where people can take pictures of themselves next to it.”