Willow’s stunning mural shows Leighton Buzzard’s pride for NHS

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

A talented Leighton Buzzard artist has painted a beautiful mural on the front of the Black Lion pub to celebrate the hard work of the NHS.

Willow Beggs, 18, recently created the piece to celebrate our heroes in blue and to thank them for their sacrifices during the pandemic.

The artwork can be seen on the gates of the Leighton Buzzard High Street pub and the striking work has been attracting plenty of attention and praise.

Willow said: “I have done a few pieces for them before, so they contacted me to see if I could do something to thank the NHS.

Willow at work. She studied at Vandyke and is awaiting her A-level results.

“It took about three days; I would do some in the morning, work during the day and come back in the evenings to finish it off. I got a great response from people who were watching.

“It shows a sort of unity in that we’re all coming together to support the NHS. It’s really important. Everyone thinks the NHS is doing a great job; let’s remember that and show that they are heroes.”

The talented artist has started her own business called Willow Beggs Calligraphy and has previously completed other murals for the Black Lion, including a hot air balloon design for the ‘Around the World in 80 Beers Festival’ and a Gothic design for the ‘Dark Beer Festival’.

Readers may also recognise Willow from the music scene, as she has released solo work and plays bass in a band called Sunseed.

Willow's latest mural which thanks the NHS.

Willow added: “Being creative is very important to me, musically and artistically.

“Thank you to the Black Lion for supporting my business and giving me a place to be creative.”

Nikki Brodin, landlady at The Black Lion, said: “Willow has done many murals for us for different festivals over the last few years. Her talent to free hand draw and paint is incredible - and not just that her songwriting and singing are awesome. Willow is one very talented young lady and one to watch out for.

“I feel very strongly about protecting our NHS: we protect them, we save lives. They are our heroes. I gave Willow free rein. That is all her own ideas and I love it.”

> Willow’s fee of £100 has been donated to the NHS.

Contact: [email protected]

Search: ‘Willow Beggs’ and ‘Sunseed’ on Spotify.

Instagram: @willowbeggs_art