AN acclaimed Greenock artist is going back to his roots with his latest solo exhibition at the Beacon.

Alec Galloway, who was brought up only yards from where the arts centre stands, says his new project — Walking in Your Shadow — has been inspired by his childhood and passion for music, art and local history.

The 52-year-old says the Beacon is the perfect place for the showcase.

He said: “It seems appropriate that this work is displayed within the Beacon, as the building sits on the very ground that became my childhood playground.

“I grew up in Palmerston Buildings, which occupied the space behind the Custom House.”

The display features a range of Alec’s work, including 25 pictures and eight stained glass pieces.

He said: “It’s a mixture of some new work and some old work, inspired by aspects of Inverclyde’s heritage, connections to past industries, natural habitat, emigration and links to distant cultures. 

“I played around here, around the quayside then we moved to Belville Street and the house overlooked the harbour.

“The docks and quayside were ever present in my childhood and formed the backdrop to my earliest memories of Greenock.

“These are areas that have changed very much.

“It is important to look forward but also at some of the interesting things that were here.”

Alec’s pictures incorporate some old newspaper cuttings to capture the mood of a time long gone.

Alec said: “There are bits of old newspaper including the Greenock Telegraph and Gourock Times.

“People can look into the paintings and see what was showing at the Gaumont and Regal cinemas in 1965.”

Some of the glass work reflects the joys of the Scottish weather.

Alec said: “I have made some new glass pieces, there’s one called Rain Heart that reflects Greenock’s history and a playful look at rain, with some clothes pegs, washing hanging out and slides of families holidaying in the Scottish summer.”

l Walking In Your Shadow runs until December 31.