Bees are buzzing in Manchester

This mural of a bee on Mason Street was created in December 2016 by street artist Bubek. I spotted it the day after the city had been rocked and shocked by the atrocity at the Manchester Arena. Roads around the area were closed off but this is not far away. During the Industrial Revolution, Manchester adopted the worker bee as a motif for its city. Seven bees are included in the crest of the city’s arms which were granted to the Borough of Manchester in 1842. Following the tragedy of May 22nd the bee has become a symbol of remembrance and hope.

Last Saturday I was on Oldham Street and saw this new mural being painted on the gable end of the Koffee Pot. It is a work in progress. When completed it will feature 22 bees representing the 22 people who died in the Arena bombing.

A contribution to Monday Murals.