Nottingham designer Paul Smith said he felt 'honoured' by a new mural designed on the wall of the first shop he opened in the city centre. The artwork was created by Emily Catherine Illustrations as part of a wider art project across the area which was once known as a fashion hub.
The Paul Smith mural was the final artwork to be unveiled as part of the 'welcome to Bridlesmith Gate' project and was painted by artist Emily Catherine. The project was launched on Friday, November 4 with celebrations taking place at the Stick and Ribbon store . All of the artists along with the organisers gathered with the public to showcase the work, which has taken five months to complete.
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The mural is over the top of the Brik Barbershop and Tailors Nottingham. Emily based the design on the designer's love for Cream’s Disraeli Gears album cover.
Paul Smith wrote on Instagram: "Don’t be surprised if you run into me on Byard Lane! Over 50 years after I opened my first shop there in Nottingham, I’m beyond honoured that a new mural designed by @emilycatherineillustration has been unveiled as part of an exciting new rejuvenation project: ‘Welcome to Bridlesmith Gate’."
"It’s inspired by my love of Eric Clapton and Cream’s music, in particular the psychedelic artwork for the Disraeli Gears vinyl. If you’re in the area, please do stop by to have a look and see the incredible other murals that have recently been completed."
The project has been organised by Nottingham BID, The Nottingham Project, Carousel, ALB Group and Leonard Design. The aim was to breathe new life into the area which has been experiencing a revival.
Emily Catherine said: "It was so lovely to meet him. It was a strange feeling when you are a little artist and you meet a knighted man who has had this incredible career who is saying congratulations, it's a beautiful piece and thank you so much. It was incredible."
"They say don't meet your heroes but we can safely make an exception for Sir Paul as he was nothing but charming. He told everyone exactly where the first shop was, took time to take photos with everyone and really took his time with people. He was clearly delighted."
"In my opinion, there are few people who deserve the comment, to be protected at all costs but Sir Paul is one of them. He really is a lovely man who is totally down to earth, still creative and just a joy."
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