Warwickshire Pub Mural Saved After Public Support and Council Compromise

A pub landlord got good news about his mural. The painting is of a Hereford bull, named Eddie-bull. It is on the Bull’s Head pub in Wootton Wawen. Last June, the council said the mural broke rules. This pub is quite old; it is a listed building.

The council initially wanted Eddie-bull removed fast. Martin Peel, the landlord, did not have permission. But, locals and the parish council backed Martin. He then hired planning experts for advice and applied for permission after the fact.

Martin also started a “Save Eddie-Bull” petition. It got 1,500 signatures from supporters. A social media campaign also helped his cause. Folks used the hashtag #SaveEddieBullMural. Mark Williamson took a photo of Martin with Eddie-bull.

Phil Taylor, an artist, painted the Eddie-bull mural. He does signs for many pubs and breweries. Martin and his wife Omm improved the Bull’s Head. They aimed to make the pub more inviting. The couple runs the Marston-owned pub.

They listened to the council’s feedback on the pub. They painted over a car park sign on the wall. Martin also works as an aircraft engineer. He did not realize he needed permission for the mural. He wanted to make the pub stand out.

He said the mural was meant to be fun. He felt it would attract new customers. He plans to replace tarmac with grass. Also, he will add a picket fence. This should make the pub look even better. He views himself as a caretaker.

He aims to keep the pub welcoming and traditional. People supported his goals for the place. Martin felt the council understood his plans and aims. He values working with the council to compromise. Eddie-Bull will soon be refreshed.

Phil Taylor will return in April to repaint the old mural. The landlord will give Eddie-Bull a wash and brush-up.