A Wirral artist behind a new Paul O’Grady mural said he's honoured to pay tribute to the late star.
Brezaux is an artist based in Wallasey behind some of the street art in places like New Brighton. Commissioned by Peel L&P, he is nearly finished painting a mural of the late Paul O'Grady.
A legendary entertainer, Mr O'Grady was born in Birkenhead but died suddenly on March 28 prompting a huge outpouring of love and tributes from across the country and beyond.
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The tribute will feature Mr O’Grady, as well as his drag persona Lily Savage against a leopard print background which Lily Savage was known for wearing. The mural sits right on the banks of the Mersey near the Woodside Ferry Terminal on the edge of the Woodside Business Park.
The mural is not the only tribute in Wirral to the late star. Wirral Council is also proposing to give Mr O'Grady the Freedom of the Borough in the first stage of plans for a “fitting celebration.”
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award Wirral Council can give and goes to “persons of distinction who have rendered eminent service to the borough.” Previous recipients of the award have included former MP Baron Frank Field of Birkenhead and the Hillsborough 97.
At Woodside, another mural depicting an RNLI lifeboat is already in place and there are plans to have others showcasing a seagull and a tribute to Glenda Jackson, the Oscar winning actress and Labour politician born in Birkenhead. The mural to Glenda Jackson is expected to go up near the Woodside Ferry Terminal.
Speaking to the LDRS, Brezaux said: “It’s very important because he’s a very well liked character. He’s been around for a long time, people love him for all sorts, his love of animals. He’s a local hero really and it’s just a nice thing to do to honour him."
Brezaux is also working with local colleges and sixth form art students on creating other murals in the area. He said it was important that local street art reflected the history, culture, and people on an area
He said: “Art is loved by everyone and it’s accessible. There’s all sorts of different styles. In New Brighton, there’s different styles of street art so there’s something for everyone.”
Bill Devereux, asset and project manager for Peel’s Wirral Waters said: “The Wirral Waters team are keen to see local young people involved in art projects across the area,” calling Brezaux “one of North West’s most prominent street artists.”
He added: “Birkenhead is fast becoming a culturally active, vibrant place with a great future, and we hope this project, and others like it, engage local people and add to the sense of pride in the town.”
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