A portrait of Charlie Burns by Jim Vision, London, September 2020
Charlie Burns, known as the King of Bacon Street, died in 2012 at the age of 96. He was born close to Bacon Street and moved to the street itself as a young child. He then lived here for the rest of his life, raising his own family here.
He was a paper merchant as a youngster, and later ran a local boxing club. He would be seen on Bacon Street every day. In his later years he’d be spotted sitting in his daughter’s car watching life around him. He was a great loss to the community when he died as witnessed by the crowds at his funeral and the many warm tributes given.
In 2011, the year before his death, street artist Ben Slow created a portrait of Charlie, and that wall in Bacon Street has since seen several visual tributes to the local hero, each created by a different street artist. As soon as one deteriorates it seems a new one is created.
This year, there is a new version by Jim Vision. I particularly like this one, with a close up portrait and a charming background of a London street with cosy lights and reflections in the puddles.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 30 November 2020
Enjoying street art has become a regular event on my travels around the world: more of my findings can be seen here
For even more art, pop over to see Sami at Monday Mural
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Travel with Intent 
Again a brilliant portrait by Ben Slow, amazing artist! Cheers Stef
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It’s wonderful when someone from the community is recognized. This is a beautiful portrait and I was thrilled to learn about him.
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what a wonderful portrait – how lovely he lives on through this, larger than life almost
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Such a nice tribute
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That is a wonderful mural 😀
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What an awesome mural Debbie and a great tribute to Charlie Burns too.
Thanks for participating in Monday Murals
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Awesome mural, Debbie.
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Nice portret.
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Nice portrait.
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How wonderful to be so content with your place in the world, Debs. I guess we could learn a lot from him. It’s a great portrait 🙂 🙂
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Love the view of the street in Jim Vision’s street art
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Is he one of the Burns brothers who used to run a canteen for poor kids to eat at. I’m sure my dad mentioned him in his memoirs
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Probably. I didn’t know about the canteen, but there were several brothers, and I know one of them is involved in the boxing club for local youngsters.
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