WATERFORD

STREET ART AUGUST 2021

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I NEVER NOTICED THE SPONSORSHIP SIGN

DE LA SALLE HALL

As of recent reports, the De La Salle Hall on Stephen's Street, Alexander Street is currently disused or vacant, though it remains in good condition and retains its original form and character.

Protected Status: Its status as a protected structure highlights its importance and means any future use or development would need to comply with conservation guidelines.

Future Use Consideration: The need for the building to be in daily use to maintain its condition has been noted, with suggestions for a potential change in zoning to a City/Town Centre zoning to permit a more immediate and vibrant use, such as Social Housing/Residential Accommodation.

This was the first time that I managed to photograph the doorway in detail and after merging 6 images I was able to read the sponsorship sign.

PHOTOGRAPHED AUGUST 2021

PAINT-A-BOX ON A HILL

Thomas Hill is a historically significant street and area in Waterford City, Ireland. Its history is closely tied to an important figure from the 12th century, and the streetscape today retains notable architectural character.

Historical Significance: The name Thomas Hill is connected to the foundation of a church by King Henry II in 1171, which was dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr (Thomas à Becket).

Origin of the Name: The church was founded by King Henry II outside the walls of Waterford following his arrival in Ireland in 1171, as a testimony of regret for the murder of Thomas à Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170.

St Thomas Church: The church, reputed to be the oldest in Waterford, was later documented on an 1871 Ordnance Survey map as being on Thomas Hill, described as "Thomas' Grave Yard" and "Church (Remains of)."

Demolition: The church, which had stood since about 1210 AD, was demolished in 1967.

Architectural and Residential Area: Thomas Hill, along with Thomas Street, leads up towards Ballybricken from O'Connell Street in the city centre. The area is characterised by its residential buildings, some of which are protected structures.

Protected Structures: Buildings like No. 22 and No. 23 Thomas Hill date from around c. 1850 and are listed as Protected Structures due to their architectural interest and contribution to the historic character of the streetscape. These particular houses were built over three-storeys.

Housing and Development: Properties in the area, such as No. 11 Thomas Hill, are noted as spacious four-bedroom terraced family homes. Refurbishment work has been proposed for vacant properties on the street to provide Social Housing apartments.

Historic Context: Census records exist for Thomas's Hill from the 1821 Census. Architectural surveys confirm houses on the street, and on Thomas Hill Terrace, dating to the 19th century.

Thomas Hill is located in a central city location in Waterford, making it within easy walking distance of city centre retail and amenities. It is situated adjacent to:

Ballybricken
Thomas Street
O'Connell Street
The Quays

When I visited Waterford in 2021 I used a Sony A7RIV which allowed GeoTagging which has useful in this instance as I could not remember where this example of paint-a-box street art was located, And to be honest I do not recall ever seeing this utility cabinet or any even remotely similar.

PHOTOGRAPHED AUGUST 2021

THE COSMIC CANVAS

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Mr. Cenz, born Julian Phetean, stands as a prominent figure in the dynamic realm of contemporary street art. A London-based graffiti artist, his artistic journey commenced in the mid-1980s, marking a deep and enduring engagement with hip-hop culture and graffiti art. Over decades, he has cultivated a distinctive style, globally recognised for its abstract female portraits that masterfully blend photorealism, illustration, and intricate graffiti letterforms. His prolific output has led to his work adorning urban landscapes and gracing galleries across the world, underscoring his status as an internationally acclaimed artist with numerous high-profile commissions.

Mr. Cenz strongly advocates for a rigorous work ethic, asserting that "there is no shortcut to gaining recognition and respect". He emphasises the critical importance for artists to dedicate time to "developing your style and identity" and to steadfastly maintain "integrity" against the temptations of easy commercial success. He also acknowledges the significant challenge of achieving originality in what he describes as an "oversaturated scene," where "Being Original is very hard theses days". This highlights his unwavering commitment to distinctiveness in his craft.

PHOTOGRAPHED AUGUST 2021

BY SONNY SUNDANCER

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Extraordinary was created by the South African artist Sonny Sundancer. I first photographed this in 2019 about a year after it was originally painted.

Sonny Sundancer, also known as Sonny Behan, is a South African urban contemporary artist who is currently based in Los Angeles. Born in the UK, he moved to South Africa with his family when he was eleven years old, and this experience sparked a lifelong fascination with wildlife. Although he had no formal training in art, he began painting in his early twenties and taught himself the necessary techniques.

PHOTOGRAPHED AUGUST 2021

CAT MURAL BY DAN LEO

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Dan Leo is a British street artist, born in London, who moved to Ireland at a young age. He is a multidisciplinary artist known for his murals, paintings, and digital art, with a focus on animals and nature. His style is graphic and colourful, characterised by heavy line work, and draws inspiration from 90s cartoons and graphic design.

Regarding his "CAT" mural for Waterford Walls, the mural was created for the festival in 2020. The mural is located at 2 Park Road in Waterford, Ireland. While there isn't specific background information available about that individual mural, his work in general is driven by a respect for animals and a passion for nature.

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