Ron Gittins’ Protected Legacy: Unleashing Outsider Artistry

In honor of British eccentric Ron Gittins, who passed away at age 79 in September 2019, his rental property has been officially protected by the government. Five years after his death, when his family discovered that almost every available surface in his home was decorated with historical scenes and murals painted by him, largely discouraging visitors due to its messy state. Gittins had limited formal artistic training but created works depicting Ancient Egypt, Georgian England, fireplaces shaped like a roaring lion’s head or giant minotaur heads, as well as an ancient Roman bread oven. His niece Jan Williams revealed that his behavior was “quite challenging,” and they did not see him often because of it. However, she added that the family still loved him deeply. The discovery led to a campaign by Wirral Arts and Culture Community Land Trust (WACCLT) supported by friends, relatives, artists, and others working within culture and heritage. They established this trust after buying the building last year with funds raised through crowdfunding on Ron’s Place website. Gittins’ property has been granted “Grade II” listing status in England for being an exemplar of large-scale Outsider Art, which is created by artists motivated solely by their personal visions and often working outside the influence of mainstream art structures with no formal training. Jarvis Cocker, frontman of British indie band Pulp and a patron of this campaign to preserve Ron’s Place said: “Ron’s Place has been given listed status! The work of one unique gentleman in the north of England has been recognised nationally. Globally even. Hallelujah!!!” Williams hopes that her uncle’s legacy will inspire future generations, saying he encouraged creativity and resourcefulness among those around him. She added: “He never really held down a job or had a reliable income for long but he did have an abundance of imagination and creativity.” The property is currently undergoing work to stabilize the artwork for preservation while plans are made for it as part of developing other apartments in this building into a holistic house of art and creativity.