Omagh Main Street depicted like never before thanks to hard work of local artist

OMAGH'S Main Street has been depicted like never before thanks to the hard work of a local artist.

The amazing oil painting is the result of months of hard work from Brian Latchford, a native of Omagh, and it was officially unveiled to guests on Monday night.

This is the latest in a number of major works by Brian that are displayed in public houses in and around Omagh. Last year, he painted a portrait of local legend, Arthur McGonigle, aka 'Arty G', to be displayed at a popular local venue, the Blind Cobbler. Brian also created a map of Ireland using tins of beer at the same location!

Speaking on his latest work, Brian said: "I was born in Omagh and I am self-taught on painting in oils. It's the first time I have ever painted a street with so much detail, with so much variety of different things in it. It was a challenge, but a worthwhile one.

"As a native of Omagh, this place is very significant to me. I often say, 'Omagh you're not a city, but you're all the world to me'. I wanted to make sure this was conveyed within the finished work.

"I started the painting at the end of April, but because I had to wait for the flowers and everything to be sorted. I then took photos, and I took my time because oils are very slow drying. I was finished at the end of October.

"I would like to thank Michael McIlroy for letting me hang a piece of my work in the bar in Rue."