Back when the word coronavirus was an unknown entity to most people, Ramsey Town Commissioners were on a mission to regenerate North Promenade with added amenities and artwork.

So they embarked upon a project to obtain Arts Council funding to change the bare walls of five ’shelters’ into vibrant canvases of artwork.

Artists submitted designs based on the themes of Ramsey, Manx culture and the sea.

The commissioners were successful in obtaining funding for half of the project cost from Isle of Man Arts Council for the first two shelters, and are seeking sponsorship for the other three.

The first shelter, which was designed and painted by Beth Louella, features a striking design of the historical Queen Affrica - 12th century Queen of the Isle of Man - on one side and a modern Manx woman on the other.

It also gives a nod to the important relationship between Manx culture and farming, local animals such as a Loaghtyn sheep, a wallaby, and the infamous Manx cat in different iterations of tail length, the sea and Ramsey landmarks.

The design therefore encompasses the themes of the brief beautifully, and it is now nearing completion.

Beth described her design, saying: ’Manx history and heritage are a significant part of Manx culture and feature heavily in this design.

’The combination of Viking and Celtic influence are shown in the artwork through the main theme and symbols.

’The sea is featured on all sides of the shelter design. Sea shells adorn the hair of the women which celebrates the sea and relationship with the sea.

’A gold line runs along the top of the sea, referring to the sea’s importance and connection between people and the landscape.’

The Commissioners had hoped to get the project moving in 2019, but decided it would have been difficult to justify during the pandemic. It was also suggested that they could paint the designs onto wooden boards which could later be affixed, however, they waited, allowing an interactive element to blossom, as passersby could view the progress first hand.

Artist Adam Berry has begun work on the second shelter.