Painting the Town Proud: Local artist Deggy brings Glossop’s wall to life

On an unassuming side street in Glossop, an ordinary wall has quietly become one of the town’s most cultural landmarks.

What began in 2022 with a mural honouring punk fashion icon Dame Vivienne Westwood has now grown into a tribute to two of the region’s most influential women - with the recent addition of a striking portrait of Dame Hilary Mantel. Both pieces are the work of Glossop’s very own rising star: Deggy - an artist, musician, skateboarder, venue manager, and proud recipient of a Community Champion Award. 

I caught up with Deggy on a sunny morning at the now-famous wall that has started to attract visitors from across the UK, and beyond. 

Deggy, now 32, was born and raised in Glossop. He speaks with affection about his hometown, and it’s clear his art is a tribute to the people and places that have shaped him. 

“I got into art through skateboarding” he tells me. “It’s something I still do, and I’m really passionate about it. I’ve also been making skateboarding films with my friends for about 15 years now. We’ve got a new one coming out next year actually - and I’m launching my own skateboard company too. It’s called Distorted Reality.” 

The name reflects more than a love of skate culture - it’s his commentary on the world around us. “There’s a lot wrong in the world right now that’s being portrayed as normal - but it’s not. I want to tap into that, to get people to question things.” 

The connection between skateboarding and street art is strong, and Deggy’s visual style reflects that - a fusion of punk attitude, bold stencil work and socio-political undertones. His favourite artist? Shepard Fairey who also emerged from the skateboarding scene, with a bold, political and powerful style. Considering influence though, Deggy says it can come from anywhere: “I’m inspired by anyone who wants to do something that’s going to make them happy I guess, it doesn’t have to be art–related.” 

Despite being self-taught, Deggy has become a creative mentor to many in the Glossop community. For the past three years, he’s run weekly art sessions at Gamesley Community Centre, working with local young people on a range of creative projects - from spray painting and collage to mixed media. 

“I think it’s really important to try and inspire the younger generation” he says. “Just to be nice and try and spread a positive message, because youngsters need it these days. Technology is taking over and we’re all guilty of that, so to get kids doing something physical and creating something with their hands is really important.” 

He recently led the kids in designing and painting a beautiful nature-themed mural in the centre’s garden area. “We did a bird in a circle with flowers around it, then on the other side there’s a cherry blossom with a frog, a bird, butterflies... it looks really cool, and the kids did such a great job. It’s so rewarding when it all comes together like that.” 

Deggy, who is neurodivergent, has also run art sessions specifically for neurodivergent children “I know how hard it can be to express yourself through traditional methods. I want these kids to know there are other ways to be creative, and nothing should stop you from doing what you love and expressing yourself through art.” 

And it’s not just community centres where he has inspired the next generation, his former secondary school also reached out and invited him to teach art to their Year 10 students. “I was told not to take art at school” he laughs, “so it was kind of surreal to go back and teach it. But the kids were well into it! I gave them a crash course in stencilling and just let them be creative. It wasn’t about being perfect, it was about trying something new.” 

Does he see more teaching in his future? “I’d be open to it, although not full-time. I’m determined to grow my career as an independent artist.” 

Deggy’s two Glossop murals have become iconic, quite literally putting him on the map - Google Maps, where both are now listed as local landmarks searched for by thousands. 

The first, painted in August 2022, was a 15-foot portrait of Dame Vivienne Westwood, the late punk fashion revolutionary and activist, who was born and raised in Tintwistle and is now buried there. 

“I originally painted a portrait of Vivienne on canvas back in 2021” Deggy recalls. “I’ve always been influenced by punk and the idea of standing up for people, and she was a huge part of that. The Sex Pistols wouldn’t have been what they were without her. I was miffed that there was nothing significant in the town to honour her - so I decided to do something about it.” 

The mural took nine days to complete, plus tons of prep work, and was entirely self-funded - over £1,000 out of his own pocket. “I joked about doing a huge mural of her face and then I actually did it. When I say I’m going to do something, I’ll either make it happen or go down in a ball of flames trying. I’m not someone who ever wants to think ‘What if?’” 

The piece was so well received that suggestions for the next mural came almost immediately. “Loads of people suggested I should do Dame Hilary Mantel next, and it made total sense. She was also a dame, from the area and a successful prize-winning author. I researched her and it just felt right to put her next to Vivienne.” 

The Hilary Mantel mural, completed in July 2025, posed new challenges. “This was my first fully freehand piece - no stencils, just some VR goggles, a few spray cans and blind faith. It was a nightmare when for some reasons the stencils wouldn’t stick and I was thrown in the deep end, but I’m proud of how it turned out. That’s what art is about – pushing yourself and learning new skills.” 

Partway through the painting came a special moment when Hilary’s husband, Gerald, stopped by. “We chatted for about 15 minutes. He was lovely and it just brought home how much this mural means, not just as a piece of art, but as a tribute to an extraordinary woman. That really stuck with me.” 

Unlike Vivienne’s mural which he funded himself, Hilary’s was supported by a successful crowd-funder. “Everyone’s had their rewards now,” he says. “I’m just so grateful for the support of the people of Glossop and for all of the chats and kind words along the way.” 

Though his art has earned him widespread recognition, there’s more to Deggy than paint and murals. He’s also the bassist in ‘Gorilla Riot’, a touring band whose last album hit number 4 on the UK Blues charts. “I mostly just stand at the back and play G for an hour” he laughs. “We’re planning a European tour next year. It’s exciting stuff!” 

In his day job he’s the venue manager at The Globe Pub, where he handles everything from band bookings to themed food nights. “I’ve been there since 2017. It’s a huge honour to run such a historic venue. We’ve got a full vegan menu and weekly quizzes. I host the music one every last Thursday of the month where you can catch me in my sparkly green blazer. Think ‘Family Fortunes’ meets ‘Phoenix Nights’!” 

He extends a shout out to all local bands and singers: “Get in touch with me as I’d love to have you on show at the Globe. I get out and play a lot of venues, and trust me, not many of them are as good as what we have there.” 

Back in March, Deggy was named as the worthy winner of the Community Champions Award for his contribution to art in Glossopdale. “It was amazing to be recognised like that” he says. He’s quick to credit his family. “My mum and dad, Liz and Jimmy, have always been brilliant. And my sister Louise. They’ve supported me every step of the way and never pressured me to follow ‘the norm’. They just wanted me to follow my dreams and that means the world.” 

Deggy’s family and upbringing have shaped his ethos in life: “Just be a good neighbour, no matter who your neighbour is. There’s no need for any bad vibes in the world because everyone’s in a difficult situation, so we might as well all be in it together and get along. Let’s just be nice with one another. And you should always do what you believe in.” 

A man who follows his gut instincts to do the right thing naturally, he took this approach when considering colours for the murals. “I usually start in black and grey or cream, then add white for the eyes. With Hilary, the turquoise just felt right. I’ve no idea what colours I’ll use for the next one, but I’ll make it work. I always do.” 

On that subject, between Vivienne and Hilary is a glaringly obvious blank space. “What’s going there?” I ask. 

“You’ll have to wait” Deggy grins. “But I’ll give you a Glossop Chronicle exclusive - it’s going to be a famous duo. And I promise it’ll be worth the wait.” 

Deggy is currently accepting commissions for private artwork, murals, and more, although his diary is filling up fast. You can contact him at www.deggy.co.uk or via his Facebook page: Deggy. Visit Harvey Leonards Wine Bar in person to see some of his work on display. Musicians can get in touch at: deggytheglobeglossop@gmail.com