Portsmouth artist My Dog Sighs set to 'brighten up' Hilsea with an eye-catching mural

AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned artist is hoping to 'brighten up' a city landmark with an eye-catching new design.

By Fiona Callingham

Published 20th Jul 2020, 16:43 BST

Updated 21st Jul 2020, 11:48 BST

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Portsmouth based street artist My Dog Sighs has begun his latest project - painting a mural on one of the walls by the Hilsea Lido - which he hopes will bring people 'cheer' amid the pandemic.

The piece, which will feature My Dogs Sighs' signature motif of reflective eyes, is due to be completed this week and will be part of the newly built sea defences protecting the north of the city.

City artists ‘blown away’ by residents help to brighten up billboards during loc...

Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020.

Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs.

Picture: Habibur Rahman — Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020. Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020.

Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs.

Picture: Habibur Rahman — Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020. Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs. Picture: Habibur Rahman

It will replace a previous mural by My Dog Sighs and city artist Fark from five years ago that had faded.

My Dog Sighs said: 'Covid has affected lots of people in so many ways. Usually I am working all over the place but lockdown has meant I've focused my work in Portsmouth and it's been really nice to get more involved locally. Recently I finished a commission on the side of the Queens Hotel in Southsea.

'I'm doing this to help people cheer up, I hope it brightens up the area.

'The Lido has been here forever, it's such a historic landmark in the city. The trust that runs it hasn't got a huge amount of money so of course I was happy to do it for free.

Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020.

Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs applying the first coat of paint on the Hilsea Swiming Pool building.

Picture: Habibur Rahman

Picture: Habibur Rahman — Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020. Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs applying the first coat of paint on the Hilsea Swiming Pool building. Picture: Habibur Rahman Picture: Habibur Rahman

Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020.

Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs applying the first coat of paint on the Hilsea Swiming Pool building.

Picture: Habibur Rahman

Picture: Habibur Rahman — Artist, My Dog Sighs, begins to paint a mural on the building of Hilsea Lido Swimming Pool on 20th July 2020. Pictured: Artist, My Dog Sighs applying the first coat of paint on the Hilsea Swiming Pool building. Picture: Habibur Rahman Picture: Habibur Rahman

'I'm always trying to find a good canvas with a good aspect and this is a great location. If you are driving along the M27 you will be able to see it.'

SEE ALSO: 19 memories of Hilsea Lido to make you dream of a hot summer’s day

It comes as the artist has started a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 for a 'local project,' the details of which are still under wraps, after funds from Arts Council England fell through during the pandemic.

Already fundraisers have donated £40,000 - in exchange for a range of gifts - with a further £2,000 topped up by Portsmouth City Council.

He added: 'I started fundraising on Friday and thought it would take me a while to reach the target but within days we've almost hit it which is amazing and really exciting.'

The cost of the paints and materials used by My Dog Sighs has been covered by Knights Brown, the contractor for the sea defence scheme.

It is planned Hilsea Lido will not re-open until 2021.

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