Newark store Village Chic paints shop front in memory and celebration of Queen Elizabeth II
A business is once again brightening moods and lifting spirits with a shop front mural dedicated to the Queen.
Village Chic on Castlegate, Newark, is well known in the town for its colourful painted displays.
In the past they have painted poppies for Remembrance Day, daisies in support of the Children's Bereavement Centre's Meadow of Memories in Newark Castle, beach huts for the duration of the Newark-on-Sea beach and another mural to the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee earlier this summer.
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Laura Hill works in the shop and is responsible for the painting of murals in the past.
She said: "The last time did a mural was when we painted beach huts on the shop front for the town centre beach and people kept asking us what were were going to do next.
"We thought it was probably going to be for Remembrance Day later this year, but then this happened."
On her inspiration for this mural, Laura said: "It really feels like the end of an era. Most people alive today, all they have ever known, is her.
"We did paint an image of the Queen for the Jubilee based on a younger picture of her. But I think for most people she will be remembered like this, so we wanted to use a more recognisable image this time.
"I was actually out last night when the news came through and everyone around me got quite emotional and silent.
"I think a lot of people thought of her as family and were reflecting on their own families and parents.
"Despite her age she always came across as an incredibly strong woman, who did so much for the people."
Laura said the full mural would have lots of colour to honour Her Majesty.
She said: "I've had so many people come up to me already to say how wonderful it is. It's a brilliant reaction and I've only just started.
"This is a sombre moment for the country, but I think it needs to be a celebration. At the end of the day she reached the age of 96, which I think is amazing and that life needs celebrating."
The reaction of social media has also been incredibly positive, with thousands of reactions on Facebook and over one hundred comments.
One commenter said: "A beautiful tribute by a very talented woman. Great use of her prominent location means casual visitors to Newark always get a hint of what's going on here."
Another echoed these views, saying: "This shop owner is absolutely fantastic. I always wait with baited breath on what’s next. What a fitting tribute."
Many others agreed: "Walked past you today from my business as you were painting this. Said how good it was looking and boy, it's turned out fabulous."
The Mayor of Newark, Councillor Laurence Goff also chose to leave a comment, saying "Many thanks with your tribute to Her Majority Queen Elizabeth ll. Grateful from Newark Town Mayor."
