92 year old OD restores historic pub mural
Monday, 22 August 2022

The walls of the Morritt Arms Hotel at Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, are adorned with a huge mural, painted nearly 80 years ago by an artist who went on to become one of the best-known and popular of the 20th Century.

Created in the space of just a few days, John Gilroy painted a Dickensian scene of decadence and humour, using the bar's regulars and staff at the time as characters.

There has also been an addition to the mural. The owner of The Morritt Arms, Clive McKeag OD, has his portrait in the work.

He pushed for the restoration and is very proud of the finished project. He is arguably the most spritely 92-year-old you will ever meet.

"People can no longer say to me, 'you're no oil painting' because now I can say 'oh, yes I am'." Clive told the BBC Look North Programme.