Portsmouth army veteran revealed as artist behind Southsea messages of hope

Everyone in Portsmouth and beyond has needed a pick-me-up from time-to-time, making the messages spelled out in stone all the more welcome.

Now the creator, an army veteran, has told The News why he was inspired to spread joy.

Dad Graham Culton said he is ‘trying to promote happiness’ and said he has ‘survived a lot' in his life – including a heart attack last year and a brain injury in a serious assault.

Graham, 46, who is homeless but currently housed by the council, said: ‘When I was transitioning from military to civilian life, I used to do arts and crafts with my daughter, Blaize. We used shells found on the coastline of Guernsey.

‘During these days of Covid-19 darkness, I wanted to contribute positivity to humanity in a positive and creative manner of panache.’

One of Graham Culton’s latest message paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who died last week aged 100.

Graham added: ‘People are continuously saying “thank you” and it just seems to be a massive chain reaction of “thank you very much”.

‘I’m creating a lot of smiles because people have been saying that the messages, thanks to social media, have gone global.

‘To me that’s a great thing because during this traumatic time of Covid the whole world has been turned upside down.

‘I do the messages predominantly to improve my self-esteem, and my action of doing the messages has got a positive reaction.’

Graham’s messages encompass everything from shows of support for NHS staff, to song titles that double as positive messages.

These include Love is All Around, written by The Troggs and made famous by Wet Wet Wet in the 1990s, and D:Ream’s Things Can Only Get Better.

Graham added said: ‘I was doing a message near Southsea pier one day, and was focused on the job in hand, when I noticed a set of feet nearby.

‘When I looked up there was a young lad thanking me for my messages of hope and positivity.’

Since leaving the forces in 2003 Graham has struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and his mental health, as well as having Asperger’s.

He served for 10 years in the Queen’s Highlanders and served in Northern Ireland.

When asked what advice he’d give to overcome hardships, Graham – who has been in the city since December – said: ‘It’s good to talk.

‘Get a journal to write thoughts and feelings down. Get physical exercise and a good healthy diet. I use music a lot as it keeps me grounded.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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