Artist lights up toilets

Artist lights up toilets

17 June 2016

SPENDING a penny in Tyrella just got a little more artistic.

These loos at Holmestead Saddlery have been given a special makeover by local artist George H Smyth.

The majestic sweep of the St John’s Point Lighthouse beam now greets visitors as a reminder of the impressive historic landmark just across the shore.

Internationally acclaimed artist George is one of several local residents campaigning to save the iconic sweeping beam at the lighthouse. He says his latest creation is going down a storm with customers at the saddlery where he lives with partner Rachel Holmes.

“I started this painting and then it ended up taking two weeks, battling the elements at times with black bin liners,” he said. “But I thought — I have taken on a three and a half foot by seven foot oil painting.”

The Commissioner of Irish Lights is consulting on plans to replace the lamp with a modern LED light, but the proposal is being opposed by local residents, politicians — and even Van Morrison, whose famous Coney Island composition refers to the landmark. Talks are ongoing between the two sides.

“As a child I would see the beam in my bedroom in Ardglass hitting the wall at night,” George said. “Now I live at the other side of the peninsula where I have my studio where I still see it.

“We hope the St John’s beam will be left as an example of what was.”