A Perthshire artist has painted a striking mural on a Perth city centre wall in gratitude to those who cared for his beloved wife before she passed away a few months’ ago.
Ian Cuthbert Imrie’s wife Margaret suffered a stroke in 2022 and spent a year in Perth Royal Infirmary before returning home to Bridge of Earn where she lived before her death on October 7 this year. She was 83.
Devoted husband Ian (86) decided to create a mural in his wife’s memory inspired by one of her favourite paintings.
The 16ft to 8ft panel has been placed on a wall adjacent to Perth’s Mill Street (East) car park depicts impressionist artist Claude Monet with his famed water lilies.
Ian said the artwork is a thank you to NHS and council workers who helped with Margaret’s care in her final years.
Ian’s previous Fair City murals have included musical greats Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, John Lennon and Michael Jackson – as well as an eye-catching Banksy-inspired piece featuring a Scottish terrier holding a heart-shaped Saltire balloon.
He said of his latest work: “I was so impressed by the care Margaret received from everyone involved during those months.
“A whole range of NHS workers ambulance drivers, consultants, nurses, cleaners, but also Perth and Kinross social work department staff who helped to put a care package together for Margaret to allow me to take her home — I felt I had to make a public statement. I really cannot thank everyone involved in Margaret’s care enough.”
Ian was born in Muirton and Margaret came from a Bankfoot farming family.
For much of his working life Ian ran his own fine art business.
He painted the Monet picture at his Bridge of Earn home on four 4ft by 8ft laminate panels using acrylic paint.
The portable installation in Perth, took about an hour, but he added, can be dismantled in a matter of minutes. Ian commented: “Margaret loved Monet’s paintings of water lillies. If she were still here today I expect she would have said: ‘that’s lovely Ian.’”