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- Written by Jenny Coleman & Noor Nanji
- BBC News, Liverpool
WATCH: Inside Ron Gittins’ transformed home
Renovated by an artist over the course of 33 years, the apartment building is now Grade II listed after a conservation campaign.
A unique piece of work by Ron Gittins was discovered in Birkenhead, Wirral after his death in 2019.
The Silverdale Road flat is the first example on the national list of so-called outsider art, performed by people with no traditional training.
Historic England said the list recognized Mr Gittens’ “unique artistic achievement and vision”.
After he died at the age of 79, relatives revealed the strange and wonderful private world he had created for himself.
His artwork, inspired by ancient Greece and ancient Egypt, includes fireplaces in the shapes of lions and minotaurs, floor-to-ceiling Egyptian and Greek murals, and a Roman altar in the kitchen. I did.
image source, Wirral Arts and Culture CLT
Ron Gittins spent 33 years renovating his Birkenhead flat.
The Birkenhead property will be auctioned in 2022, launching a campaign led by the Saving Ron’s Place Group, which includes Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker.
Sarah Charlesworth from Historic England said: ‘Ron’s Place is evidence of Ron Gittins’ unique artistic achievement and vision over four decades.
“That Ron’s work inspired local people to take action to raise funds to purchase the building and ensure the survival of his legacy is a testament to the value of this remarkable project and why it is a national heritage site. Listed in England.”
image source, historic england
Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker says Ron’s Place is a special place
image source, historic england
Mr Gittins’ niece Jan Williams said the attention his work was receiving would “make things up”.
Campaigners initially applied to list the property to keep developers away, but an anonymous philanthropist came forward in 2023 and loaned the £335,000 needed to buy the property, which is now available. It will be used for a creative arts program to promote arts and mental health awareness in Wirral.
Following his inclusion on the list, Jarvis Cocker said: “Few people on this planet have known for some time that Ron’s Place is a very special place, but now… Ron’s Place is officially on the list!”
“The work of one unique gentleman from the north of England has been recognized nationally. Recognized worldwide. Hallelujah!!”
Jean Williams, Mr Gittins’ niece, said she was thrilled that Mr Gittins’ “creativity will inspire future generations”.
“I’m sure Ron has bounced back and is very proud of the attention he’s getting, and I’m sure he’s thrilled that his work is being recognized and appreciated.”
image source, historic england
Bright colors and intricate carvings decorate the entire apartment
A spokesperson for Historic England said Mr Gittins’ creation was “an example of large-scale outsider art in Britain, a creative work by artists motivated by personal vision and often working in compulsive ways.” “It is a phenomenon that is usually performed without formal training or influence from society.” the mainstream art world.”
The apartment will be used for a creative arts program to promote arts and mental health awareness in Wirral.
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