Northern Ireland

Derry's Bogside artists member William Kelly dies

William Kelly, on left, pictured with his brother Tom and fellow Bogside artist Kevin Hasson. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
William Kelly, on left, pictured with his brother Tom and fellow Bogside artist Kevin Hasson. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin  William Kelly, on left, pictured with his brother Tom and fellow Bogside artist Kevin Hasson. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 

ONE of the three artists behind Derry’s famous 'Bogside Murals' has died. 

William Kelly formed the Bogside Artists with his brother Tom and colleague Kevin Hasson.

Thousands of tourists visit the series of gable wall murals in Derry’s Bogside annually.

They depict scenes from the Troubles in the Bogside, including the 'Battle of the Bogside', Bloody Sunday and the 1981 Hunger Strikes.

Announcing Mr Kelly’s death on Tuesday morning, his brother Tom posted on Facebook: “With a heavy and grieving heart, my brother Will Kelly passed away in the wee hours of this morning, trusting in God’s unfailing love.”

Since first beginning their work in the early 1990s, the Bogside Artists have won worldwide acclaim with exhibitions across Europe, Australia and North America.

News of Mr Kelly’s death sparked a huge reaction on social media. His fellow Bogside artist Mr Hasson said he was devastated by the news.

“Rest in eternal peace Will until we meet again,” he said.