Disused Pontymister toilet gets splash of colour (From Campaign Series)

Disused Pontymister toilet gets splash of colour

2:10pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

FLUSH FINISH: Artist Craig Lewis works on the mural

 A DISUSED toilet block is being transformed into a work of art.

The Pontymister toilets, which have fallen victim to graffiti vandals in the past, are being decorated with images of spring, summer and autumn by artist Craig Lewis.

Mr Lewis, 42, has been working as a professional artist for ten years and is known for a mural depicting Joe Calzaghe and other local legends in an underpass near Cross Keys Rugby Club.

He told the Argus: “The exterior of the toilet block is in relatively good condition, but it’s a horrendous texture and very bumpy.

“So it’s a time-consuming process, and the weather does make things difficult, but that’s a common obstacle in this profession.”

Using primary masonry paint to create his murals, Mr Lewis then coats them in anti-graffiti lacquer.

The design for the toilets includes a violet campion flower and a monarch butterfly representing spring; two cuckoos, an important cultural mascot in Risca, representing summer; and a stag’s head, representative of Lord Tredegar, for autumn.

“You find images of the stag’s head dotted around Risca,” said Mr Lewis, who lives in Fleur de Lys.

“The large blocks of colour on the mural are quite striking, and it’s in a very public spot. I’ve had very positive feedback so far.”

The painting is expected to be finished in the next few weeks.