SNIK’s Monumental ‘Solitude’ Graces the Streets of Stockport, England
The internationally acclaimed stencil art duo SNIK have brought their world-renowned, ethereal portraiture to Greater Manchester, unveiling a monumental new mural titled ‘Solitude’ on the side of Virginia Mills in Higher Hillgate.
‘Solitude’ by SNIK, stencil mural on Virginia Mills, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, UK. Commissioned by Virginia Mills and Niplast. Image © SNIK / Mike Tilley
Commissioned by Virginia Mills and Niplast, Solitude marks Stockport’s first large-scale public artwork by SNIK and the town’s official entry into the ever-growing global map of cities showcasing the artists’ beautiful stencil works.
‘Solitude’ by SNIK, stencil mural on Virginia Mills, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, UK. Commissioned by Virginia Mills and Niplast. Image © SNIK / Mike Tilley
The mural depicts a standing female figure draped in folds of shimmering gold fabric, a visual metaphor that weaves together Stockport’s industrial textile heritage with a more contemporary narrative of resilience and renewal. From the golden layers, wildflowers emerge, symbolising growth through persistence rather than embellishment, a quiet but powerful statement about strength in stillness.
‘Solitude’ by SNIK, stencil mural on Virginia Mills, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, UK. Commissioned by Virginia Mills and Niplast. Image © SNIK / Mike Tilley
“We are delighted to be collaborating with SNIK and offer up this space to allow Stockport to join the ranks of Boston, Berlin, Rotterdam, Stavanger, Grenoble, London and Manchester in hosting one of their outstanding murals,” said Adrian Greenwood, CEO of Niplast.
“It is also exciting that SNIK, a world-renowned artist duo, chose to produce this mural in Stockport, supporting its development as a 21st-century conurbation.”
Solitude is designed to integrate with the architecture becoming part of the building’s identity rather than a layer upon it. This thoughtful approach mirrors the artists’ philosophy: that art should live within the environment, not above it.
‘Solitude’ by SNIK, stencil mural on Virginia Mills, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, UK. Commissioned by Virginia Mills and Niplast. Image © SNIK / Mike Tilley
SNIK are known for their meticulous, hand-cut stencil techniques, a process that can take months of precision cutting before paint even touches the wall. Their compositions often explore ephemeral beauty, emotion, and the passing of time, resulting in imagery that feels both timeless and transient.
‘Solitude’ by SNIK, stencil mural on Virginia Mills, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, UK. Commissioned by Virginia Mills and Niplast. Image © SNIK / Mike Tilley
Returning to Stockport holds special meaning for the artists.
“We’re really happy to be back in Stockport after showing our Ephemeral 2 exhibition here a few years ago. That experience stuck with us, so it feels right to return and create something permanent this time with Solitude on the Virginia Mills building,” SNIK shared.
“We’re really thankful to Adrian and everyone involved for giving us the wall and for supporting the arts in such an honest way. Painting in the North has always felt like home for us, and this one’s been a big challenge, but a good one. We can’t wait for people to see it.”
From Boston to Berlin, Rotterdam to London, SNIK’s large-scale works have become landmarks of emotion and skill and now, Stockport proudly joins that list.
‘Solitude’ by SNIK, stencil mural on Virginia Mills, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, UK. Commissioned by Virginia Mills and Niplast. Image © SNIK / Mike Tilley
Discover SNIK at GraffitiStreet
You can find original artworks and limited editions by SNIK online here, or visit us in person at GraffitiStreet Gallery, 25A West Street, Chichester, England, PO19 1QW.
Image Copyright SNIK / Photographer Mike Tilley