The status of ‘weaving capital of the world’ is also a tribute to the expansion of the textiles industry and the fact that the spinning jenny (a multi-spindle spinning frame) was invented nearby.

This is just one of the chapters of Blackburn’s history that feature on the new gateway sign leading into the town centre. Signs Express (Central Lancashire) has designed, fabricated, and installed the new graphic as a gift to the community that they serve.

The firm has created a 140m long wall sign at Larkhill to celebrate Blackburn, its history, and its culture. Noted on the wall is also Blackburn Rovers, their esteemed football club, that boasts heroes such as Alan Shearer. The side are one of the only teams in English football to have won the FA Cup three times in a row, have also won the Premier League in 1995, and were a founding member of the Football League in 1888, after the club was established in 1975.

The signage is part of the continuing efforts to welcome visitors to the town and to show that Blackburn is changing. It illustrates the town’s long and varied history and points to the exciting future”

The mural is also 2.5m high, and was created after Signs Express, based in Preston, approached the Blackburn with Darwen Council with the idea.

Signs Express’ director, Ben Hall, comments: “As a Lancashire-based company we are proud to support community initiatives like this. Our design team has carried out all the research and working with our production unit, has created a striking visual montage that delivers a strong message about Blackburn’s past, as well as its future direction.

“We believe this work will point visitors to all that Blackburn has to offer them, through its many proud achievements, past and present. It’s both a welcome and a statement. When people think of a sign company, they don’t always realise the wide range of work we do. It’s a lot more than exit and entrance signs, and this is a classic example.”

Councillor Phil Riley, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, finishes: “The signage is part of the continuing efforts to welcome visitors to the town and to show that Blackburn is changing. It illustrates the town’s long and varied history and points to the exciting future.” 

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