THREE LOCAL FIGURES SURPRISED WITH A SPOT ON 100 YEARS 100 FACES MURAL IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
THREE of Stoke-on-Trent’s most inspiring figures have been unveiled as the first additions to the ‘100 Years, 100 Faces’ mural — a landmark project led and funded by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID).
The surprise announcement took place ahead of the University of Staffordshire’s recent TEDx event, where Major Levison Wood, Martin Tideswell and Commander Nathan Gray were surprised during event rehearsals.
The mural — to be unveiled later this year in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre — is a large-scale public artwork that will feature 100 individuals who have helped shape Stoke-on-Trent over the past century, across all walks of life. The project is part of the city’s 100th anniversary as a federated city, celebrating its rich heritage and looking ahead to its future.
(Images supplied by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID: Jenny-Amphlett-Levison-Wood-Martin-Tideswell-Commander-Nathan-Gray-Sarah-Thomas-Gordon)
Paul Williams, Lead Director for Place Marketing at Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID said: “We were absolutely delighted with the response to the BID’s call for the public to nominate people to be included in a landmark artwork to be showcased in the city centre as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary celebrations.
“From pioneers of the past to inspiring change makers of today, the judging panel had a hugely difficult task to select the final list of people connected with the Potteries who will now be depicted in the ‘100 Years, 100 Faces’ mural to be unveiled at a special event in September.”
The honourees include:
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Major Levison Wood – explorer, author, and documentary maker, renowned for his global expeditions and proud Stoke roots.
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Martin Tideswell – veteran journalist and advocate for the local press, celebrated for telling the stories of the Potteries with passion and integrity. Now serving as Director of Commercial Strategy at the University of Staffordshire.
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Commander Nathan Gray – Royal Navy pilot and decorated military figure, originally from Stoke-on-Trent, representing dedication and bravery in service.
A short film capturing the moment of surprise is now available to watch on the BID’s official channels.
Jenny Amphlett at the University of Staffordshire, added: “Their lives have taken different paths but Major Levison Wood, Martin Tideswell and Commander Nathan Gray share the common attributes of being humble, optimistic and fiercely proud of the city that made them.
“Their genuine surprise and delight at being told they are to be featured on the 100 Years, 100 Faces mural in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre was a joy to see.
“I know they will each say that there are many more deserving Stokies – but that is one of the many reasons why they each deserve to be up there amongst the city’s finest.”
The 100 Years, 100 Faces mural will be revealed later in 2025 in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre, with further names still to be announced. The public are encouraged to follow updates via the City Centre BID’s website and social media channels for further announcements for the large scale mural.
