THE COMMUNITY of St Helens have been sharing an impressive collage of art in homage to the late Johnny Welly, before his funeral tomorrow on Friday September 24.
John Smith, known affectionately as Johnny Welly, passed away aged 78 on August 21, following a short illness.
His death attracted an outpouring of sadness and condolences, with Johnny becoming well-known and much-loved around St Helens, frequently stopping for a chat to people of all ages.
In addition to the messages of sympathy and anecdotes of Johnny's eventful life, some talented St Helens residents have shared their artwork of the larger than life character.
From charcoal pencil drawings to prints, to the abstract and novelty stickers, Johnny's memory will be helped to be kept alive by the talent and imagination of the art work.
Liam Leyland shared his mum's take on an abstract re-imagination of Johnny, as well as a intricate pencil drawing.
His mum Catherine is said to have known Johnny since she was a kid and "loved him".
The artworks were created for an unfinished local documentary on the character, yet poignantly were the last work she has been able to work on since developing multiple sclerosis.
20-year-old Charlie Bond also had his interpretation of Johnny shared on social media.
Despite only knowing Johnny in passing, the Momo's cafe chef decided to undertake the charcoal piece in homage to him, which has since been widely praised by the community.
In reference to the praise, Charlie's dad Ian said: "Wow! Where do I begin, as a parent to see so much praise for a drawing of a well loved individual of our beautiful town you are all amazing a very warm embrace from my heart to yours. Thankyou each & everyone of you beautiful people of St Helens. Bless you all x".
Johnny's recognisable face was also captured in prints by local artist Bill Bradburn and used on colourful collages as part of the Free Art Friday movement.
In addition to this, he has been granted legendary status via cartoon stickers created by the community.
As the work gone into these pieces of art highlight, Johnny was a much-loved and much-missed member of the St Helens community.
His funeral, taking place at 12pm at Lowe House Church, will ensure Johnny is given the send-off he deserves, and these pieces of art ensure that his memory will live on forever.
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