Yahoo News Pub makes bold move by sharing powerful message
A village pub in Southeast Cornwall has joined forces with a Cornish artist in a 'powerful' move to highlight the plight of local pubs. Owners Lloyd and Kirsty Halliday of the Halfway House in Polbathic, South East Cornwall, teamed up with St Germans artist Stu Anderson to work on a painting to be displayed in the pub that raises awareness about the increasing number of pubs facing closure across the country.
Titled "We’ll miss it when it’s gone", the large painting captures the essence of traditional British pub culture while conveying the sombre reality of its decline. Through vivid brushstrokes and striking imagery, Stu said he wanted to bring to life the camaraderie, and nostalgia associated with these cherished establishments, juxtaposed with the stark sense of loss as many pubs close their doors for the last time.
Statistics from industry experts show up to 30 pubs shut each week in the UK, with around 2000 under threat of closure. According to recent reports, the plight of these cultural hubs has become a matter of national concern. From economic pressures to changing consumer preferences, various factors contribute to the demise of these beloved institutions, leaving behind a void in communities and eroding the fabric of British social life.
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Lloyd Halliday, said: “As a village local, we’ve long supported arts and culture in the area with live music, and local artists on the walls of the pub so it is brilliant to be able to collaborate with Stu and raise awareness of just how devastating the loss of the village Local can be. For many people it not just a pub, it is the social hub of the village and part of their daily lives to come in and chat to friends and the end of a hard day. It combats loneliness, is good for mental health and makes for a strong community.”
Stu, Lloyd and Kirsty hope "We’ll miss it when its gone" will serve as a catalyst for dialogue and action to support struggling pubs across the nation.
By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, the duo aim to ignite a sense of urgency and rally support from policymakers, communities, and individuals alike to preserve and revitalize these vital community spaces.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the painting, Stu Anderson stated: "Pubs are more than just places to have a drink or some food; they are where friendships are forged, memories are made, and stories are shared.
"They are an integral part of our cultural identity, and their decline represents a loss not just for the present generation, but for generations to come. Through ‘We’ll miss it when it’s gone,' I hope to remind people of the value these establishments hold in our society and the need to take action to ensure their survival. It’s a genuine ‘use it or lose it’ situation."
"We’ll miss it when its gone" will be showcased in The Halfway House, Polbathic from April 14 and onwards providing viewers with an opportunity to engage with the artwork and reflect on the broader implications of pub closures in the UK, whilst enjoying some food and drink and supporting the sector.
