GLOBALLY celebrated Gourock artist George Wyllie's prophetic words about the preciousness of our planet are part of a special release of prints to mark the 50th anniversary of 'Earth Day'.
Long before the the term 'climate change' had even been thought of, visionary Wyllie created his Original Earth Guarantee way back in 1982.
The print mimics an official legal document but also warns about the future of the planet.
Its last line, reading: '...if the terms of this Guarantee are not complied with, a WARNING is hereby given that the Guarantee, AND the product known as 'Earth', will be rendered VOID'.
Wyllie's family say his message is particularly relevant at a time when the COVID-19 lockdown is highlighting mankind's detrimental impact upon the planet and the benefits of reduced human activity on the environment.
The piece and other prints celebrating the life and work of the legendary artist went on sale yesterday — Earth Day — priced at £30 each, with a donation from each sale going directly to Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Wyllie's iconic work included pieces such as the life-size Straw Locomotive, which was set alight after hanging from Glasgow's Finnieston Crane for six weeks in 1987, and his Paper Boat sculpture, which sailed on the Clyde and also on New York's Hudson River in 1989.
Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the environmental movement and the Wyllie family has decided to make the Original Earth Guarantee available to the public to coincide with it.
The artist's eldest daughter, Louise, said: "My father was always concerned about the way in which the earth was at risk from climate change brought about by humanity.
"It was a key driver behind a lot of his late work in particular.
"Dad was always ahead of his time and this particular piece of work resonates now, more than ever.
"He would have been delighted that young people are leading the campaign to preserve the planet."
Louise added: "The Original Earth Guarantee stresses the Earth has been 'made from the best materials available'.
"It's our duty to look after it.
"Every household should have an Original Earth Guarantee as a reminder."
*Prints can be ordered online at www.georgewyllie.com
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