Growing Together is a vibrant new artwork by artist and illustrator Sven Shaw, celebrating the spirit of community in Girlington. Created for the Girlington Community Garden, the piece captures the unity and togetherness that define the area.

Growing Together is part of BD: Walls, a collection of new street art commissioned by Bradford 2025 for walls across Bradford District – paying vibrant tribute to our heritage while celebrating our dynamic street art culture.

The artwork features the national flowers of countries associated with the communities of Girlington. The flowers are all blooming from the same vine representing the different communities coming together to create something beautiful in the community garden. The rose represents both England and Slovakia, jasmine symbolises Pakistan, the lotus stands for India, the waterlily represents Bangladesh and the DRC, the yellow trumpet flower signifies Nigeria and the poppy stands for Poland.

Behind the flowers are illustrations inspired by drawings from members of the Girlington community. These include plants and animals drawn by Girlington Primary gardening club, along with illustrations of familiar Girlington buildings (Morrisons, Adam Masjid, Listers Mill and St. Williams) drawn by members of the public. The placement of these elements along the flowing vine also reflects the steep hills of Girlington.

Sven Shaw is an illustrator and painter based in Baildon, West Yorkshire. He has enjoyed drawing since childhood and always knew he wanted to work in the creative industries. After graduating from university in 2005, he began working in design and illustration.

Having grown up in Yorkshire, much of Sven’s work reflects a strong local influence. His illustrations celebrate the region’s landmarks, architectural heritage, and communities. Over the course of his career, he has designed and painted numerous murals, including works in Bradford city centre, Bingley Three Rise Locks, Myrtle Park, and Seacroft.

For more information, visit Sven’s website.