Absolutely buzzing that Teuchters on William St in Edinburgh West End reopened their doors today. One of best and the most genuine bars in Edinburgh, renowned as a purveyor of the finest whisky, beer, Scottish hospitality and banter. It’s a sure fire hit for an authentic Scottish night on the town.
Peter and John commissioned me a few years ago to add vista and atmosphere to their basement and I built this mural on-site over the Christmas period a few years back. We struck on the idea of a Scottish nostalgia cafe/bar lining the walls. Portraits of Scottish celebs and notables line the wall against the backdrop of a 40ft Old Town Edinburgh Skyline. Stretching all the way from Cockburn St to the Castle. Peter and John had lots of ideas but they also let me take a trip through the favourite celebs of my youth. Young Billy Connelly, Ricki Fulton and Supergran feature visibly.
It was painted whilst Trainspotting 2 was being filmed in Edinburgh, so there is an entire table dedicated to the gang, that’s not all though, Tilda Swindon, Sean Connery, Lulu and even Susan Boyle feature in a table full of Scottish rock chicks and of course the Proclaimers and Rod Stewart.
Locals from the bar had their portraits painted in too. I like to keep you guessing as to who’s a celeb and who is sat right next to you on a bar stool, all part of the fun.
It’s a big rugby pub too so Peter also insisted on a Bill Mclaran and the Hastings brothers as well as his dream Scottish rugby team in the alcove.
The staff in the bar made me feel like part of the family while I put the long hours in painting this labour of love. I was kindly invited to their Xmas night out that year and they nearly broke me by forcing me to drink delicious whisky and show off my pole dancing skills.
This mural was originally part of the restaurant downstairs but they have reinvented due to COVID, you can visit it freely now for the cost of a few ales in the basements new incarnation as ‘the Bunker’.
Can’t wait to see you there! #crowds #scottishcelebrity #commercial #billyconnolly #trainspotting
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