DIESEL STREETS EXHIBITION

A new street art exhibition by a city artist we’ve long supported launches at Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday February 7.

Diesel Streets: A Peterborough Wall Story is a major solo exhibition by local street artist Nathan ‘Nyces’ Murdoch, charting over two decades of graffiti, mural culture, and lived experience on the walls of Peterborough.

You’ll most likely have seen many of his incredible murals in and around Peterborough and now he finally has an exhibition of his own.

It’s open from February 7 to May 23 at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery and it’s set to be a stunning display, coming off the back off another fantastic exhibition by fellow artist Tony Nero who Nathan often collaborates with.

Blending large-scale works, archival material, and newly created pieces, Diesel Streets documents the evolution of Peterborough’s street art scene from its industrial backstreets to its present-day cultural relevance.

Nathan’s work is unapologetically local, rooted in estates, shuttered shops, underpasses, and forgotten corners - he reframes graffiti not as defacement, but as testimony - evidence of who was there, what they felt, and why it mattered.

Nathan says – “Diesel Streets isn’t about glorifying graffiti - it’s about telling a story that inspired a generation of artists like me. The stories written on these walls raised me as much as any classroom. This show is my flowers for Peterborough’s subculture – a culture that forever changed my life.”

Peterborough Positive, the city’s Business Improvement District is dedicated to creating a more vibrant and welcoming city centre and has commissioned Nathan  to create several murals including images of The Beatles, local legend Walter Cornelius and the historic look of Cowgate.

Pep Cipriano, Chief Operating Officer of Peterborough Positive, said – “Street art has become a powerful part of Peterborough’s visual identity, telling authentic stories about our city, its people, and its past. Diesel Streets: A Peterborough Wall Story celebrates our street art scene and showcases the power of transforming everyday spaces into engaging cultural landmarks for everyone to enjoy.”

Alongside the exhibition you can also enjoy a free programme of artist-led workshops and talks.

Exhibition highlights:

•             A dedicated tribute to Y2SK8, a formative hub of Peterborough’s subcultural landscape, recognising its influence on skate, graffiti, and youth culture

•             An interactive installation inviting visitors to put their name on a train, echoing graffiti traditions of visibility, presence, and legacy

•             Artist talks, held on Friday evenings throughout the exhibition, starting with ‘In Conversation with Nathan Murdoch' on Friday February 13, 6pm – 8pm

•             Artist-led workshops during April Easter holidays, engaging young people and emerging creatives

•             New, previously unseen works created specifically for the exhibition

•             Archival graffiti photography and street documentation spanning over 20 years

To find out more visit www.peterboroughmuseum.org.uk/events/diesel-streets