Local artist designs spectacular Lanark dreamscape

Lanark’s wealth of historic buildings and architectural features is celebrated in a new artwork “A Dug’s Eye View” by local artist, Ronnie Cruwys.

Commissioned by Discover Lanark Business Improvement District, they feature on four massive panels installed on a hoarding covering the outside of the former Vogue Cinema in Bannatyne Street, opposite the town’s railway station.

Artist Ronnie Cruwys invites viewers to join her for an imaginary flight over the rooftops of Lanark, in and out of the medieval closes and streets, through the ruined arches of the Old St Kentigern’s, over the River Clyde, around church spires and into a town rich in stories and built heritage.

Discover Lanark Manager, Antonia Pompa said, “We have worked with Ronnie on a couple of occasions and her keen eye for the uniqueness and indeed quirkiness of Lanark’s architecture and buildings made her a natural fit for this project. We challenge you to identify all the landmarks, well known and less so, that make up this magnificent artwork.”

Antonia explained that the installation is part of a wider project which sees Discover Lanark working with the owners of vacant properties to improve their appearance. A Dug’s Eye View follows on from last summer’s transformation of a rundown gap site in the heart of medieval lanark into Wallace House. The open-air public art and heritage space tells the story of William Wallace’s time in Lanark and features two spectacular murals by artist Rogue-One, a giant Wallace sword, cartoon strip, welcome poem and interpretation panels.

Antonia added, “We want to work with the owners of vacant buildings to bring them back into use wherever possible but also to make them more attractive and interesting whilst they remain empty. Wallace House has been an enormous success attracting Wallace enthusiasts and street art lovers to Lanark over the last twelve months. We are delighted with Ronnie’s work, A Dug’s Eye View, which welcomes train travellers into Lanark and New Lanark with a glimpse of the town’s rich history and encourages them to look up with curious eyes.”