The Halliwell and Smithills Elephant Trail has been created by artist John Pinder with support from the Halliwell Community Alliance and local historians.
The trail features elephants at different points, each one designed to reflect the history of the location around it-as well as Bolton’s historical link with the elephant symbol.
There are 20 more expected to pop up around Halliwell and Smithills in the future.
Mr Pinder the idea came to him during a trip to Canada with his wife a couple of years ago and said Halliwell was the perfect place to bring the idea to life because of its rich past.
He said: “I noticed a bronze figure behind a bench outside a church. It turned out to be part of a trail around the town. I realised you can combine a local history trail and an art trail.
“Halliwell is full of local history everywhere. If we could get a trail going round there, people would learn about their history.
Opposite the Crofters Arms, the Halliwell Lockup. Picture by John Pinder
“Painting an elephant wearing a Montague Burton suit or a police uniform is something people respond to differently than they would in an art gallery.”
The elephant was chosen as the main character because it is Bolton’s emblem, and each artwork features a costume linked to the site’s history.
Mr Pinder said: “At each point there’s an information board. People can find out more about their local history by scanning the QR codes. It’s a way of telling people about local history and introducing them to art.”
Four stops have now been completed across Halliwell and Smithills.
Bertie the Elephant at Avoncliff Close, next to the former Burtons Tailoring Factory. Picture by John Pinder
The first is at Avoncliffe Close near Falcon Mill, which used to be Montague Burton’s Tailoring Works.
The elephant is depicted in a three-piece suit, a nod to the factory which was a major employer in the town.
Another piece of artwork can be found near Chiefs Barbers, opposite the Crofters Arms, that used to serve as Halliwell’s lock-up. The elephant is aptly dressed in a police uniform.
Further stops include artwork at Rusheylea Close and outside St Peter’s Parish Centre, with each piece created by different artists using a range of styles including digital painting, ceramics and stencil art.
Outside St Peter’s Parish Centre, the former Jubilee School. Picture by John Pinder
Cllr Safwaan Patel, representing Halliwell, said the project has been a long time in the making.
Cllr Patel said: “The project is under the Halliwell Community Alliance and we have four stations currently. We’re looking to have 24 stations by the end of the trail. I was there on Saturday when we opened the first one at Avoncliffe.”
Celebrating the area’s rich past. Picture by John Pinder
He said the trail is also a personal project for him because of his family’s connection to the area.
Cllr Patel said the team spent years researching the stories behind each location- just to make sure people strolling through the area are getting the best parts of its history.
Cllr Patel said: “My grandad came here in 1955 and Halliwell is the place he chose. My grandad and dad worked in factories here. Halliwell’s recent history is my family history as well.”
Opening of new community trail
“We have done a lot of work to find out why these places are significant and asked people about their childhood. It’s just one of those things I hope people appreciate going forward. A lot of effort has gone into it.”
He added that the police-themed elephant near Chiefs Barbers has become his personal favourite.
The ceramic piece on Rusheylea Close. Picture by John Pinder
Cllr Patel said: “I never knew there was a police station there, but the jails are still in the building.”
Organisers hope the trail will continue to expand over the coming years, eventually forming a full walking route celebrating the history and stories of Halliwell and Smithills.
