Murals

Fritz Steller – Articulation In Movement, Huddersfield

Listing: Listed Grade II
Condition: Condition unknown
Material Type: Ceramic
Building Type: Commercial / Industrial
Artist / Designer: Fritz Steller
Owners: Kirklees Council
Date: 1970
Address: Queensgate Market, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 2UJ
Local Authority: Kirklees Council
County: West Yorkshire
Country: England

The German-born artist Fritz Steller (1941-2015) created a number of striking and ground-breaking architectural ceramic works in Britain between 1969-1975 including nine very large ceramic panels for the eastern elevation of Queensgate Market in 1970. The panels consist of mushroom-like forms with representations of the market’ goods. Their size required a special kiln for the firing process and experimental mixes to produce clay resistant to acid rain and chemicals were also needed. The building and panels were listed grade II in 2005 with the support of C20 Society. Kirklees Council began partial demolition of the Queensgate Market in 2024 as part of the ‘Our Cultural Heart” regeneration scheme, but the Steller panels were removed for conservation and storage by Cliveden Conservation and will be reinstalled when the building project is complete. Little of Steller’s work survives, and Queensgate Market remains the largest and best example.

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1391505