As last year marked two decades of The Big Optician, we thought we’d bring a dash of creativity to mark – or more specifically paint – the occasion. Our eye-catching mural on the side of our practice is now complete, and we hope you love it as much as we do.
In collaboration with two local artists, known as PREFAB77 and Mul Draws, the work reflects the brightness and vibrancy embodied by The Big Optician.
A place for a face
Peter Manning, or PREFAB77, is the craftsman behind the main mural. His style is often hard-edged yet wrapped in glamour—an undeniable rock ‘n roll vibe that his time and experience in England, California, and New York have much to answer for.
Typically combining print, acrylic and spray paint and, in the case of The Big Optician, a cherry picker, his mural art provokes and jumps from the walls.
The commissioned series of faces looking out over the top of Byker Bank, showcases both PREFAB77’s eccentric nature and The Big Optician’s dedication to beauty – and our favourite shade of pink.
The heart of the community
Mul Draws’ iconic Running Heart street art graces many a surface in Newcastle and Gateshead, as well as further afield in London, Berlin and Barcelona. The cartoon-like designs come from a place of love, emphasised with a burst of intense colour for passersby.
If you haven’t seen any of his work before, take a stroll past The Big Optician, to see his Running Heart characters sporting some rather chic shades. They are big, pink and punchy – and we love how they contrast and complement PREFAB77’s work above.
Our city
As an independent business, we know the value of our surrounding community. Newcastle, and Ouseburn especially, is full of creative minds and our aim for these pieces is to bring brightness and positivity to our streets, as well as support our local artists.
To bring a smile to your day, why not check out the new mural art at The Big Optician? Pop in and let us know what you think!