Stunning murals paying tribute to legendary Aberdeen footballer Denis Law are now complete – and they’ve been greeted with delighted by Woodside locals.
One told the Press and Journal he wakes up “with a smile on his face” every morning thanks to the large-scale artworks that grace Clifton Court, near where Law was born and grew up.
On the two sides of the building that face Great Northern Road are striking images depicting Law playing for Manchester United and Scotland.
The works were commissioned to pay tribute to the Aberdonian, revered as one of Scotland and Aberdeen’s greatest ever footballers.
His passing was sadly announced back in January, when the city mourned for one its heroes and tearful fans gathered at his Marischal Square statue.
The murals on the Clifton Court housing block will form part of a Denis Law trail in the city.
The Press and Journal today visited Law’s birthplace of Printfield to ask residents what they really think of the murals.
‘It puts a smile on my face’
Philip McDonald, a 62-year-old retiree, was a “huge fan” of Law in his playing days and says of the murals: “They put a smile on my face every morning when I see them.
“I was delighted when I heard the news they were going to be doing it on that old building.
“The statue in Marischal Square is a little hidden away a little bit.
“A man like Denis should be shown-off with some pride. Put front and centre.”
He added:Â “I have good memories of watching Denis on the black and white televisions, back in the day.
“He was an awesome player, he really was. My three favourite players were Denis, George Best and Pelé. He is up there with the best.”
Clifton Court residents have their say
James, a resident of Clifton Court, told the P&J he has enjoyed watching people visit to take pictures of the impressive murals.
He said: “It really enhances the look of the building and it’s really good they have found such a prominent place in Printfield. It’s good for the area.
“You can see people from the window taking pictures constantly. There’s been such a buzz on social media about them.”
Meanwhile, Elaine McKenzie, also a Clifton Court resident, was impressed with the skill involved in creating a mural of that size.
She said: “They have done an absolutely fantastic job – and people coming all the time to have a look at the murals.
“I told the artist guy that he was doing a good job. I think he really appreciated that.”
Despite not being much a football person, Elaine is full of admiration for Law.
“It’s just a pity we couldn’t have got it done before he died,” she said.
“I think he would have liked to have seen it.”
Pub punters admire Denis Law mural
Across the road, 26-year-old Tommy Davie manages the Fountain Bar and says his punters have been raving about the mural.
He said: “One of my regulars won’t stop talking about it. He’s a huge Denis Law fan.
“There’s guys coming around and taking photos of it all the time – here’s hoping some of them come and visit the pub!
“I feel like it really livens the place up.
“My favourite is the one of him playing for Scotland. It stands out.”
Nearby, Tesco Express duty manager Georgia Smith, also 26, echoed Tommy’s sentiments.
“It does cheer the place up and I think people around here are quite excited about it,” she said.
Artist ‘so proud’ to have completed Denis Law mural
Artists Charlie Kelman and Jerome Davenport took the opportunity to thank everyone.
Charlie said: “From prepping the wall, documenting the entire process and the access platforms, everyone who has shared photos, stopped and spoken to us, tooted when driving past the last few weeks, it’s made it all worth while.
“It has been a massive honour.”
Conversation