GLIWICKA 146
Camej
2021
The mural commemorating John Baildon is located on the side wall of a tenement house at 146 Gliwicka Street, at the intersection with Feliks Bocheński Street in the Załęże district of Katowice. It was unveiled in June 2021 in connection with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the engineer's birth and the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Baildon Steelworks.
The graphic design was created by Jakub Wiśniewski, and the large-format mural was executed by the Silesian street artist Cam Camej along with a group of friendly creators. The portrait is maintained in a vivid, pop-art style inspired by the work of Polish poster artist Waldemar Świerzy.
The location of the mural has a symbolic dimension. The painted figure of John Baildon looks towards the site of the former steelworks bearing his name – one of the most important industrial plants in the history of Katowice. The project was realised thanks to the involvement of the PTTK BAILDON Branch, the Inter-Company Organization of NSZZ "Solidarity" Baildon, and the District Council No. 7 Załęże. Part of the funds were raised through an online social fundraising campaign.
John Baildon (1772–1846) was a Scottish engineer and industrialist, regarded as one of the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution in Upper Silesia. He participated in the construction of modern steelworks and mines in the area of present-day Katowice, Gliwice, and Chorzów, contributing to the technological and economic development of the region.
If you have additional information about this mural, please contact us here.