Nature Is Healing

Planning permission for the re-development of the Bangor Marina was granted in September 2022 – here’s an overview of the plans. Until work begins however, Sharon Regan’s (ig) depictions of nature scenes will continue to cover up the disused buildings along Queen’s Parade.

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Vitamin Sea

Images from the east side of the Strand underpass in Holywood, beginning with Conaty’s Arch and ending with Van Morrison: “Smell the sea and feel the sky/Let your soul and spirit fly – ‘Into The Mystic'”. See also: images from the west side of the tunnel.

See also: images from the Priory Park tunnel.

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Scottish Brigade

The hand-painted UVF Scottish Brigade mural (see Boab Kerr) in Beechfield Street/Tower Street has been replaced by this new printed board. The plaque to Kerr has been retained, but four names have been added – David Totten, Brian Milligan, Billy Inglis, and Jim Holt, who is now the most prominent. Holt died in February 2021 (ACT Fb).

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Age Of Invention

Ed Hicks was in Belfast in early March, 2023, to extend the mural in College St Mews (seen previously in Cool) and to repair part of the mural that had been damaged by a fire in one of the wheelie-bins. As before, this new section combines technical drawings with various creatures and sundry items.

If you know anything about the characters or references, please comment or get in touch. The info plaque in the street (seen in Cool) mentions baker and philanthropist Bernard Hughes, but the central portrait does not seem to be of him.

At the same time, Ed also contributed a piece to the Women’s Work jam in College Court (see We Built This).

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Shaped By Sea And Stone

Brussels artist iota (ig) painted a mermaid in Larne, inspired by the local myth of Lí Ban (NI World), who was caught in nets in Larne Lough and baptised by Christian monks (WP). 

With support from the Recovery Revitalisation Programme for town centres, administered here by Mid And East Antrim Borough Council (web) in consultation with Daisy Chain (tw), Seedhead Arts (ig), and FGB (ig).

See also Lí Ban in Bangor: Sea-Born.

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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