RISE UP, GLASGOW

STRATHCLYDE SINGLE GRAIN RUNS THROUGH THE HEART OF ALL OF OUR WHISKIES. NOW’S THE TIME TO GIVE IT THE REGAL TREATMENT.

The complex sweet flavours within Chivas whiskies is down to our Strathclyde distillery in Glasgow. We wanted to use the distillery space to celebrate the success of Glasgow’s homegrown heroes, chosen by incredible artists; after all, it’s the people who are the beating heart of the city itself.

Each subject within our mural has had an impact on the city in their own way. Embodying our ‘I Rise, We Rise’ ethos, they’ve risen up and succeeded against the odds, having an inspiring impact on those around them and those who will come after them, too.

Brought to life in collaboration with the Glasgow-based artpistol Projects – a company dedicated to the local art scene – our artists created a trio of striking tributes.

Check out artpistol Projects here!

MEET THE ARTISTS

Find out more about the artists and portraits below.

ROGUE ONE

One of Glasgow’s best known street artists, Bobby Mcnamara a.k.a. Rogue One, is well-versed in mural painting. Having mastered the art of spray painting over the last 15 years, his work comes to life in a multitude of mediums, from 3D and canvasses to large-scale productions.

Discover his work on Instagram.

PORTRAIT OF MARK COYLE

Mark suffered with Perthes disease at a young age, which restricted his mobility and left him in a cast and wheelchair-bound for a year. Rather than let this hold him back, Mark smashed expectations and turned his love of Bruce Lee and martial arts into a living, competing and winning trophies along the way. His love for the art has seen him boxing, coaching, refereeing and even working as a stuntman in a range of films. Refusing to let his physical setbacks define him, Mark’s strength and determination was an inspiration to Bobby.

MOLLY HANKINSON

A visual artist and illustrator, Molly graduated from the Glasgow School of Art before setting up long-term in the city. She looks at the honest and unapologetic representation of people who experience misogyny, with a celebratory reclamation and ownership of space. With this in mind, there was no better subject for her to recognise than Margaret Macdonald.

Discover her work on Instagram.

PORTRAIT OF MARGARET MACDONALD

Despite being one of the four pioneering artists who shaped the ‘Glasgow Style’ during the 1890s-1900s, Margaret hasn’t yet been honoured on its walls. Margaret Macdonald lived during an era where women were held back from many facets of society; instead, it was her famous husband Charles Rennie Mackintosh who became a household name. Charles – who she met at the Glasgow School of Art, where she was one of the first women allowed to enrol – allegedly said “Margaret has genius, I have only talent.” While he tried to direct credit for her work towards Margaret, gave it to him instead. Now, we’re giving Margaret the space she deserves after paving such an important path for future female artists.

MICHAEL CORR

Michael is an award-winning contemporary painter and mural artist, currently working from Alloa, Scotland. With his work centering around portraits, he uses a powerfully disruptive splatter and drip effect, with bold colour washes to bring the subject to life. Michael first saw his subject busking and has been inspired by the sense of resilience and drive he has shown through his career

Discover his work on Instagram.

PORTRAIT OF TOM MCGUIRE

A drive to succeed and a rebellious spirit sit inside Glaswegian funk-soul band frontman, Tom McGuire. His journey began busking on the streets of Glasgow – the band, Tom McGuire and the Brassholes, were never afraid of a bit of hard graft. With the unique ability of turning serious subject matter into fun and upbeat funk, live shows are what the band live for. With live performances and the music industry devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Tom could have given up – but instead he pushed through. The band exclusively recorded a song in isolation called Rise Up, which explored the emotional challenges faced during lockdown, encouraging people to overcome it and rise together. Now back in his element fronting live performances with his band, Tom’s perseverance and resilience allowed him to get back on stage where he belongs.

ELLIE MILLS

Finally, celebrated type and mural artist Ellie Mills – known as Ellietype – fused the three artists work together with flair and vibrancy, through her bold, hyper-saturated typographic style. Here she combined maximalism and opulence with traditional signwriting and retro typography, to create this eye-catching lettering piece.