Continuing to reveal the hidden stories of Chatham through public art, this week saw our seventh mural painted.

Dublin-based artist Hixxy visited Medway for the first time to paint her abstract take on the story of Chatham resident, Laura Richardson.

Laura Richardson is thought to be the first woman to ride a bicycle through the streets of Kent. Her father, Charles John Hawkins, was among the pioneers of cycling and didn’t give up cycling until the age of 82. Her family lived here in Victoria Road and were friends with the famous novelist Charles Dickens.

Hixxy’s mural celebrates Laura’s spirit, highlighting how bicycles empowered women and prompted changes in fashion, replacing heavy skirts with practical bloomers for freedom and independence.

Located in Victoria Road, this mural wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Paulo Duarte Filipe, who kindly donated his wall.

If you have a wall or local story you’d like to have considered for future murals, please get in touch!