‘StokieLEGO’ to build city Centenary logo out of iconic bricks
A Stoke-on-Trent man whose LEGO creations have been seen and loved by fans across the world has started building the city centenary logo out of bricks.
Neil Walker (image) has thanked residents on the Facebook group ‘Sneyd Green Community’ for donating some of the 5,000 bricks he needs but he has appealed for more help. He has said any leftover bricks from the build, will be donated to a local Samaritans shop.
A chat between Mr Walker, who is known on social media as StokieLEGO, and one of his former workmates at Stoke-on-Trent City Council led to him agreeing to the creative project for the city’s centenary year celebrations.
The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe and Chair of Centenary Celebrations Organising Committee, said: “I can’t wait to see what ‘StokieLEGO’ builds. His work is building up a following and is even watched by the manufacturers of this famous brand. His final creation is going to share the message far and wide that we turn 100 in 2025.”
Mr Walker said: “I loved LEGO as a child but back in the day it was just for children. Two years ago, my mum asked me to go in her attic to get some old photos and I found some of my LEGO sets.
“I took them home and started to mess around with them. That’s how the whole LEGO journey started.”
He found time spent building LEGO had a positive effect on mental health, and soon realised how good a coping mechanism it can be, so now wants to spread the word.
During his spare time, he volunteers for the Samaritans and runs a men’s mental health support group on Facebook.
He said: “I found LEGO was relaxing like reading, walking or doing jigsaws.”
StokieLEGO started on social media and attracted the attention of LEGO’s social media team who sometimes give him free sets to build and photograph for his followers.
But he still doesn’t have all the colours and pieces he needs for his city council project.
“I need a lot of LEGO bricks. It’s going to be about 81cm x 81cm and initially flat, but the kiln and Spitfire will ‘stand out’ of it.” said Mr Walker.
Becky Smith, a designer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, created the celebratory logo is helping Neil by checking each stage of his build to make sure the proportions and sizes are right.
Members of the public will be able to view his creation in The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery with plans for it to go on public display at other locations being finalised by the city council.
If you have any LEGO bricks to donate, you can contact Neil, either on his Instagram ‘@StokieLEGO’ or by emailing wa******@***oo.com
