A STOCKTON artist, whose work is becoming increasingly present across Teesside, has been chosen to create an official piece for a landmark theatre.
Graphic design artist Abby Taylor was recently enlisted to create an illustration of The Globe, the iconic entertainment venue on Stockton High Street which is currently being restored by Stockton Borough Council.
In its heyday, the theatre was the centre of a buzzing nightlife and entertainment and in its time hosted legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Bee Gees, Morecambe and Wise, T-Rex and The Beatles.
Miss Taylor's illustration features the venue as it looked when it first opened in 1935 and she has worked closely with The Globe team to make sure the finished piece was as accurate as possible - even receiving a hard hat tour of the building during the ongoing renovation.
As the building has been through many visual changes, she had to piece together a complete image of the original venue by sifting through an archive of old photographs and architectural plans.
A highlight of the illustration is the swanky car parked outside, which would have belonged to the local butcher that set up shop on The Globe premises back in 1935, and was reportedly a big fan of flash cars.
She said: "Illustrating this beautiful Grade II listed building was no small task.
"The Globe is considered to be of national architectural importance, but I was determined to do it justice.
"I was lucky enough to get a hard hat tour of the building during the ongoing renovation, which gave me some insight into what a breathtaking space it was, and will be again, once it reopens in November 2020."
In recent months, Miss Taylor was also commissioned to restore the mural of Saint George the Dragon Slayer in Stockton's Green Dragon Yard - a piece that was first created by iconic artist Zac Newton before he passed away.
Miss Taylor's design for The Globe theatre will represent the restoration of its heritage while proceeds from the sale of the artwork will go to preserving it.
Stockton Borough Council’s Globe project manager said: "Working with Abby was an absolute pleasure. She is a talented professional, listens to the requirements of the client and brings her creativity to the process.
"Abby understands the value of the artwork and demonstrated originality as well as in-depth knowledge of the sector. She worked incredibly hard for us, within a tight timeframe."
The illustration is available as an A3 art print which will be sold for £8 and an A6 postcard for £1, which can be purchased from Rediscover Stockton and Preston Park Museum.
Postcards can also be picked up at the Hampton by Hilton. All proceeds will go towards supporting The Globe community organisation, which will celebrate the building’s heritage into the future.
Miss Taylor is also set to create a second illustration of the Globe as it looks once the restoration is complete.
More information about Miss Taylor's illustration work can be found at iamabbytaylor.com
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