After centuries of pitiless exploitation by Bangor locals, a new hope is taking the knife into its own hand and striking back – revenge of the crustaceans. Work by Irony (ig) on Mill Row.
In Belfast: a lobster is boiled.
In Bangor: an octopus plays rock-paper-scissors.
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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The first printing press in Belfast belonged to James Blow and his brother-in-law Patrick Neil in 1694 (DIB | Dublin Penny Journal gives 1696 | Mary Lowry Story Of Belfast gives 1690); a run of 8,000 Bibles is said to have been printed in 1751, one of which is part of the Linen Hall Library’s collection on Early Ulster Printing (RASCAL).
In 1895, Carswell & Sons opened a print-works and book-binders in a warehouse running with frontage in Queen Street and a rear in College Court (the building is now a bingo hall – see Kelly’s Eyes) which is currently being renovated as an office block (Bel Tel) – some of the scaffolding in College Cour can be seen in the later images in We Built This, the street art festival for International Women’s Day, 2023.
To complement those festival pieces, the mouth of College Court has been given a make-over, with work by Peachzz (ig) (above) and lettering by Woskerski (ig) that both draw on the street’s association with printing. If you know who did the “bookbinding” piece, please get in touch.
Previously on either side of College Court there were two pieces by Friz: Fox and Hare.
The bonus image, of a man leaning against the newsagent’s wall, is on the corner with Castle Street.
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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From the Twitter feed of Colombian street artist Visual AGP (Anderson García Pérez | Flickr), “Newen” means “strength” or “energy” … birds represent the freedom and colors of the Wiphala [the flag of indigenous peoples of the Andes].”
“Graficalia” (in the top right) refers to a street art festival aimed at minimising youth violence in AGP’s home town of Cali, Colombia.
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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The old Smithfield Market was fire-bombed in 1974 (gallery of 10 images at the Tele), quickly rebuilt with wood, and replaced permanently in 1986. The mural of the old market was painted by KVLR and JMK.
Gresham Street, Belfast city centre
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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A snake wrapped around a rod is the symbol of Asklepios, the healer, but this fearsome creature is wrapped around a spear and they both seem headed for a victim rather than a patient. The piece was painted for CNB15 by Spanish street artist Sabek (Fb)
Union Street, Belfast city centre
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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“The Crown [web], since 1826. Enter the most famous pub in Belfast, just around the corner.” The mural is in Blackstaff Square, directing customers to the entrance on Victoria Street.
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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JJB Sports went into receivership in 2012 and the Royal Avenue shop was (is?) to become a Wetherspoons (Future Belfast). In the meantime, the hoarding is used by Leo Boyd (web | ig | Fb). Welcome to the simulation!
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Commercial art on the shutters of Phone Inc, in Lombard Street, Belfast city centre
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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This is a small stencil in Joy’s Entry, Belfast city centre
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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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This sequence of UDA “memorial” murals along Island Street replaces a similar sequence from roughly 2005. Novel features are the poppies featured throughout and the use of Lawrence Binyon’s poem For The Fallen in the third panel (see below). The image above – the left-most of the four – depicts two men standing in reflection upon an above-ground grave, also symbolic of the fallen of World War I, but the mourners are modern UDA volunteers.
Island Street, east Belfast
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