Playful history-themed mural to brighten up Droitwich Spa
A new piece of street art, inspired by classic oil paintings, has transformed the side of Emms Haberdashery in Droitwich Spa, putting the town’s rich heritage at the heart of the High Street.
The mural, titled ‘Tides of the Time: The Legacy of Droitwich Spa’s Brine’, was completed on 19 August 2025 and is the latest in a series of place-making projects delivered by Wychavon in partnership with the Droitwich Spa Place Board.
The artwork, funded through Wychavon’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, offers a playful interpretation of Droitwich Spa’s historic identity. At its centre is the town’s famous brine bath, where various characters from Droitwich Spa’s past will appear to float – inviting passers-by to spot references to well-known and lesser-known stories from the town’s heritage, including its surprising connection to Shakespeare.
The design was shaped with input from residents following a four-week public survey in February 2024 and further developed during a workshop with groups such as the Droitwich Spa Historical Society and the Droitwich Civic Society.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of the Council and Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism at Wychavon, said: “This mural is a celebration of Droitwich Spa’s fascinating past but also part of our future vision. By working with local people to bring colour, creativity, and curiosity to the High Street, we’re helping to make the town centre more welcoming and exciting for everyone.”
Matt Nicol, Chair of the Droitwich Spa Place Board, added: “Street art can transform blank walls into talking points and attractions. It has been proven to increase footfall, improve well-being, and create a genuine sense of pride in a place. This mural is another great example of how we’re putting Droitwich Spa on the map and inviting people to see the town in a whole new way.”
Street art is known to enhance public spaces by improving their aesthetic appeal, sparking conversation, and encouraging people to explore their surroundings. As well as supporting local pride, projects like this also help boost the local economy by drawing in visitors and increasing awareness through social sharing.
The mural, at Emms Haberdashery, is one of several new street art pieces planned for the town, including the installation at The Talbot on the High Street – all designed to support the regeneration of Droitwich Spa and help shape a place people feel proud to visit, live and work in.
Notes to Editor:
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
For more info follow this link: https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/news-and-alerts/turning-droitwich-spa-into-droitwich-spart
Emms Haberdashery address: 6-8 High St, Droitwich WR9 8EW
The Talbot: 19 High St, Droitwich WR9 8EJ