Over 26 mysterious black cat murals have appeared on walls and street corners in Garston, Liverpool, since last year, brightening up what some residents describe as a 'bit run down' area. The charming miniature murals, the apparent signature of an anonymous street artist known as 'The Brat', have become a welcome sight for art lovers living in the area.
Community catwalk draws 25 people
Paul Hind, 57, organized a 'catwalk' tour of the many cats from St Mary's Road to Moss Street, which attracted about 25 people, including many children. The walk was initially conceived as a mental health walk, but Hind decided to incorporate the cat pictures to combine the benefits of both. 'I didn't think anyone would turn up, but about 25 people turned up, and lots of kids,' he said.
Murals cheer up run-down parts
Hind said the murals 'cheer the place up,' noting that 'there are some parts a bit run down in Garston so it just brightens up the whole place.' He added that the artist is currently working on a new mural, which bears a 'work in progress' sign. 'The cats have been appearing for the last 12 months,' Hind said. 'The artist doing it is known as The Brat, and they keep popping up - not just cats but butterflies and mice and other animals.'
Distribution of the murals
The murals are found on most streets in Garston. There are about three on St Mary's Road, one on Moss Street, and several on Duke Street. In total, 26 have been spotted, though some have been obscured. The first mural, a cat and a mouse, appeared on St Mary's Road last year. 'They were popping up once a month, there would be a couple one month and a few the next, just spreading out,' Hind said.
Potential second artist
Hind also noted that tabby cat portraits in the area appear to be done by a different artist, suggesting there may be two anonymous feline-loving artists working in Garston. 'I knew it wasn't Banksy because I just could tell, so that was never a feature,' he said.
Future walks planned
Hind organized the catwalk with friend Jane Leadbetter, who runs the Chatty Café on St Mary's Road, a café that invites people who feel lonely or isolated to meet and make friends. Hind said he hopes to hold another catwalk for the public soon. 'I think they're fantastic. I think they're great for the community and it's only Garston that has got them. Whoever it is is doing a great job,' he added.
