MURAL ‘BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE’ TO ARTIST
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to the “inspiration” behind a stunning new mural at a housing estate who sadly died before it was unveiled. The family of local artist Kevin Stonehouse were guests of honour at a special ceremony at the Tre Cwm estate in Llandudno.
The brightly-coloured mural is the result of a successful multi-agency partnership which has transformed the boundary wall surrounding the estate on a key route into Llandudno.
From the distinctive Kashmiri goats, whose cheeky antics in the town during lockdown made global headlines, to Alice in Wonderland, the Great Orme and seafront, Llandudno’s heritage and best-known landmarks are celebrated in the design.
Among those involved in the project were Culture Action Llandudno and the MOSTYN gallery, housing associations Cartrefi Conwy and North Wales Housing, estate residents and community leaders.
Much of the credit for the final design went to Tre Cwm resident Kevin, who provided the estate’s artistin-residence Kristin Luke with the scroll that inspired the end product.
Sadly, Kevin died at the age of 65 in May following a short illness.
In a moving ceremony to mark the official unveiling of the mural, the father-of-three’s significant contribution to the project was celebrated.
Applause broke out in his honour as the assembled group of Kevin’s family, project leaders and Tre Cwm residents fondly remembered his kind nature and artistic flair.
His sister, Pat Anthony, was presented with a framed painting of the mural artwork by Kristin.
“I really appreciate what they have done,” said Pat. “It is a very nice gift.
“We are extremely proud of what Kevin did. He loved painting and was proud of the Tre Cwm estate.
“He would have loved to have been here for this event and to have seen how the painting looks on the wall.
“We all really miss Kevin. But it is nice to see how much people appreciate what he did.”
Llandudno Town Council member Angie O’Grady has been a prominent supporter of the project. She said: “The work Kevin has done on this project means he will go down in history,” she said. “He will never be forgotten.”
Kevin enjoyed a particularly close working relationship with Kristin. The American-born artist poignantly described Kevin as the “lynchpin in unlocking what was possible for the wall” during a series of speeches given at the nearby Maesdu Golf Club.
“The scroll he made came at a time when there was very little hope left,” she said. “It was a bleak time for everyone. But what he did symbolised hope.
“I also wish to thank the other members of the community for their involvement. It is nice to see so many people I have met during the project back together at this event.”
Sabine Cockrill, a director of Culture Action Llandudno, was involved in helping secure funding for the mural. She praised those present for “managing to help get this massive project over the line”.
Those present at the ceremony included Tre Cwm resident Byron Parry, 18, who has worked closely with Kristin and penned a science fiction story set on the estate.
Byron, who was joined by 12-yearold sister Elisha at the ceremony, said: “Kevin was a friend of our family. He did a good job and it is sad he isn’t here for this event.”
The mural, which is accompanied by an interpretation panel, will be seen by large numbers of motorists every day as they enter Llandudno from Deganwy.
Owen Veldhuizen, community regeneration manager with Cartrefi Conwy, said: “It has been an inspiring project. The ideas have come from the community and they have been a big part of the process since day one.”
Iwan Evans, of North Wales Housing which owns the wall, was a member of the project’s steering group: “We are very pleased with the end result,” he said.
Another steering group member was artistic expert Alfredo Cramerotti, of MOSTYN gallery. “I drive past here every day and it is very nice to see the artwork each time,” he said.