Fareham artist creates impressive tribute to give thanks to NHS through mural in Fareham Shopping Centre

With countless acts of kindness to be celebrated throughout the pandemic, artist Keaton Spry has created an impressive mural inside Fareham Shopping Centre.

To acknowledge the unprecedented challenges for the community, centre management decided to collaborate with 18-year-old Keaton on a mural in West Passage to recognise the efforts of NHS staff over the past year.

Keaton, who previously studied fine art A-level at Barton Peveril College, approached the centre with the idea to create the mural and was quickly snapped up by the team.

He has been drawing and developing his skills from a very young age, and over this time has developed a passion for art.

Keaton, who completed his first mural at 12 years old in his bedroom, said: ‘I was delighted to be able to create my mural design at the centre, It is really important that we celebrate our NHS heroes after all their hard work over the past year and beyond.

‘I’d like to say thank you to the centre team for giving me the opportunity to work with them on this special project, but most of all I want to say thank you to the NHS, who are true superheroes and I hope the mural expresses that message.’

The mural features the letters NHS appearing to break through the wall of the shopping centre, in the style of Superman’s famous logo.

The artwork has been completed ready for shoppers to admire upon non-essential stores reopening from April 12.

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Mike Taylor, centre manager, said: ‘Although the community is still coming to terms with the devastating impact of Covid-19 and living through another national lockdown, Fareham’s collective spirit has never shone brighter.

‘We wanted the mural to be celebratory and unique in style while demonstrating our thanks to the wonderful NHS staff who have worked tirelessly to keep people safe not just over the past year, but always.

‘Despite the obvious challenges, we are immensely proud of our town and have seen the community come together like never before.’

To see more of Keaton’s work, find Spry Design on Facebook and Instagram.

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