“Fancy some subtle 50-foot street art, anyone?” That’s what some critics sarcastically asked about the Billy Connolly Mural. But here it stands a vibrant testament to Glasgow’s love for its iconic comedian.
This Billy Connolly Mural before you is one of three commissioned by BBC Scotland. They were unveiled to celebrate Billy Connolly’s 75th birthday. Glasgow City Council joined in. They installed representations of these original works around the city center.
Two of these works were transformed into murals by Rogue One. This one is based on John Byrne’s portrait of Billy Connolly. The original portraits were showcased in a special BBC Scotland program. It was called Billy Connolly Portrait of a Lifetime. Now they are on display in the People’s Palace.
You are standing on Dixon Street near St Enoch Square. This area is part of the Style Mile. It welcomes over 19 million shoppers each year. Rogue One created this mural and another one of Billy Connolly.
Another Billy Connolly Mural can be found on Osborne Street. It is a reproduction of John Byrne’s mugshot of Billy. It includes a 75BC-2017AD sign across his chest.
This particular mural is a recreation of Jack Vettriano’s painting. It is titled “Dr Connolly I Presume”. It comes from Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland series in 1994. The mural depicts a windblown Billy on a storm-lashed coast. This coast is near John O’Groats.
One visitor described feeling dwarfed by this huge 50-foot portrait. It is painted on the gable of Hootenanny bar. They loved how the weathered brick texture showed through. It worked well with the “cold world” romantic feel of the painting.
Street art has become a prominent part of Glasgow’s urban fabric. The Billy Connolly Mural is a highlight of the Glasgow Mural Trail. The Mural Trail promotes street art and encourages exploration of Glasgow. The trail contains over thirty stunning works by talented local artists.
The Osborne Street mural is different. The tight brick grid underneath suits the modernist nature of Byrne’s image. The sharp rectangular frame fits the industrial building. The colours of nearby cars create a strange harmony with the lettering.
The Billy Connolly Murals may have faced some negative reviews. Some found them unsubtle. Others called them mawkish. Despite this many enjoyed seeing them.
So stand here for a moment. Take in this celebration of Billy Connolly. Let the windblown image remind you of his humour and his connection to Scotland. The Billy Connolly Mural captures the spirit of Glasgow itself bold funny and unforgettable.