One of Luton’s most iconic buildings has been given a bold new look, thanks to a stunning mural that’s already turning heads and drawing in selfie-takers.
The old ABC cinema on George Street, once a bustling picture house at the heart of the town centre, now bursts with colour and character. The building’s Art Deco façade has become a striking canvas, transformed by award-winning mural artist Sarah Hodgkins of Charlotte Designs.
Commissioned by Luton Council and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project is part of wider efforts to re-energise the town centre and turn tired spaces into vibrant places people want to visit and enjoy.
The design, chosen by more than 1,500 local residents through a public vote, is packed with references to Luton’s culture, heritage and future. Over 16 days, Sarah brought the community’s vision to life, blending bold imagery and storytelling to create something truly unique.
A nod to the past meets a celebration of what’s to come
The building itself, originally opened in 1938 as the Savoy Cinema and later renamed ABC, is a classic example of Art Deco architecture. Designed by William R Glen for Associated British Cinemas, it once seated nearly 2,000 people. Though it’s been closed since 2000 and now awaits redevelopment, the building remains a key part of Luton’s townscape.
Its age and condition presented challenges – including the need for specialist asbestos removal – but rather than letting the frontage sit idle, the council commissioned a mural to bring colour and life back to the site in the meantime.
Community-led, heritage-inspired
Sarah Hodgkins worked closely with local people to shape the mural’s themes. Residents called for something hopeful, meaningful and unmistakably “Luton”. They also wanted nature, music, film, carnival, and even a nod to the town’s footballing future.
The final design includes a stylised cityscape that blends Art Deco with futuristic elements, symbolising a connection between past and future. There’s a 1930s Vauxhall car with an androgynous figure, two cinema posters – one for Blinded by the Light, the 2019 film made in Luton, and another featuring Myles Smith, a Luton-born musician enjoying international success – both public suggestions.
On the George Street West side, the mural shifts into an evening scene, with a jazz band and dancers lit by an Art Deco-style streetlamp. It’s a nod to both the Jazz Age and Luton’s famous carnival – and it’s quickly become one of the town’s most photogenic spots.
At the top of the mural, a sunrise image frames the word “LUTON” in bold letters – a symbol of hope and new beginnings. This Art Deco-inspired motif is also rooted in artistic traditions from Asian, African and American cultures, celebrating the town’s rich diversity.
Breathing new life into a town centre icon
The mural has brought a fresh burst of energy to George Street, while respectfully celebrating the building’s heritage. Even the newly printed fascias – bearing the historic names ‘The Savoy’ and ‘ABC Cinema’ – have been designed to complement the artwork without distracting from it.
Artist Sarah Hodgkins, who has more than 20 years of experience creating murals for councils, schools and businesses across the UK, says projects like this go far beyond decoration. On her website, she describes murals as “love letters” to the places they celebrate – tributes to the past, present and future of a community.
While the building’s future is still to be decided, one thing is certain – it’s already playing a lively new role in the story of Luton town centre.
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