The Hucklebuck

Painted for Hit the North 2024


I wanted to explain my mural a bit more in depth. When I was asked to paint at Hit the North, I wanted to dedicate the mural to my grandmother Mary Sheppard. I was also asked to create a music themed mural.

My mothers side of the family are from Belfast. My mother and her 4 sisters, my grandfather and grandmother used to reside on Clifton street. Sadly my grandmothers life was taken on 23.11.1974 during the Belfast troubles. I never met Mary but I hold this sadness for my mother. I wanted to show my love and appreciation through my mural.

The National Club, Berry street was the club my grandparents used to dance at. Although my grandfather wasn’t a big dancer my grandmother used to dance with her friends.

The Hucklebuck by Brendan Bowyer was her favourite song. Mary loved to sing and this was one song you’d often hear her signing.

So my twist was to create an old show band poster for a “made up” event based on my grandmother’s memories. It may look like just an old gig poster to you but for us it has sentimental meaning. The 5 hearts represent my mam and her sisters. Painted by her granddaughter (me) on Kent street 5 minutes walk away from Clifton street.

May the memories of Mary Sheppard live long in our thoughts.