THE team behind the Billy Connolly murals around the city have helped create a cheeky nod to Glasgow's famous Duke of Wellington statue in their latest piece.

Art Pistol Projects have given Glasgow artist Conzo Throb the opportunity to create a new mural which can be seen at the entrance of Sloans bar and restaurant, just off Argyle Street.

The piece, which is also in collaboration Ciaran Globel, is the new addition to the Glasgow Mural Trail. 

Glasgow Times:

After completing the Billy Connolly murals around the city, the new works from Art Pistol Projects were inspired by another of the city’s icons – the Duke of Wellington and he’s joined by some pals including a giant teacake, a gallus pigeon and a bottle of Irn Bru.  

The colourful mural, across two walls in the tunnel leading to the courtyard of Sloans, sees the Duke of Wellington's statue asking 'Are ye dancing' to a feisty blue-haired busker in a nod to the famous Sloans ceilidh that takes place every Friday night in the venue's ballroom.  

This is Conzo's first piece for the Glasgow Mural Trail and shows off his distinctive comic book style – with a bit of Glasgow patter thrown in for good measure.   

Glasgow Times:

Oli Norman, co-owner of Sloans, said: “Conzo's new mural’s brilliant -  it’s cheeky, full of fun and adds loads of character to the Lane. The Glasgow Mural Trail is bringing something really cool to the city and it’s exciting to be  part of it. We’ve already had loads of folk coming down to grab a picture with the Duke and we’re sure it’ll become a destination in its own right.”

Ali Smith, from Art Pistol Projects, added: "These guys have got super skills and it's great to see their styles amongst the city's mural scene - especially in such an iconic location that's almost hidden in plain sight. " 

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “We welcome this fantastic new installation to the City Centre Mural Trail which adds another focal point to the city centre, helping to promote it to a wider national and international audience.

“Conzo has a style which is uniquely identifiable yet which works well within the scope of the award-winning project, capturing the essence of the quirky and imaginative concepts already on offer. Not only does it help to brighten the area, but it does so in a way which is very much in line with the traditional Glaswegian ability of not taking ourselves too seriously.
“As a result, we’re sure viewers will form an instant connection to it and that it will further demonstrate the welcoming and attractive nature of the murals which continue to provide an exciting, alternative reason to visit the city centre.”

Further information regarding the City Centre Mural Trail, including electronic versions of the newest companion booklet can be found online: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=18293

Alternatively, free hard copies of the booklet are currently available at the following venues:

  • Kelvingrove Museum
  • People’s Palace
  • Riverside Museum
  • St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
  • Visit Scotland @ Gallery of Modern Art
  • Bridgeton Library
  • GCC offices at 231 George Street

A City Centre Mural Trail web-app has also been developed and is now available for use on smartphones via the following link: https://www.citycentremuraltrail.co.uk

Finally, some free City Centre Mural Trail walking tours will be offered by the council as part of the Glasgow Doors Open Days 2017 events. Further information, including how to book places, will be released by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust but is not currently available at this time.