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July 16, 2024

My lockdown project became a business!

During the pandemic Conor Elliott tentatively began to stroll around his local area in Penarth, near Cardiff . His walks were brightened by the many rainbows adorning windows – tributes to the NHS staff working hard to care for Covid patients.

Drawing on his passion for photography (Conor has an Art Photography degree), he started to take pictures of the rainbow paintings. His collection soon grew and eventually Conor had accumulated hundreds of photos.

Seeing the potential to make something more from his photos, Conor approached the manager of his local hospital. Impressed with his work, Conor was put in touch with the NHS Arts for Health and Wellbeing Programme and was commissioned to create a piece for Barry Hospital’s 25th anniversary and another for Llandough Hospital.

 

Conor created two huge mosaics (6ftx4ft) out of all of his photographs – giant tributes to the NHS from many smaller contributions in the community. They are still on display in the hospitals.

Conor describes his work as an immersive and engaging experience. Children are particularly fascinated by his mosaics, having fun discovering the smaller photos in the image.

Following a cancelled hip operation and weeks spent shielding from Covid, this project was just what Conor needed to give him a sense of purpose and what’s more, an idea for a business venture!

Conor has established Special Moment Mosaics. Custom-made photo mosaics, using many smaller images to create one celebratory picture.

PRIME Cymru’s Volunteer Mentor, Russell Gibbon, has been supporting Conor with his business journey.

Conor said: “The support from PRIME Cymru has been invaluable. Russell has been great –his enthusiasm knows no bounds.

“He knows what he’s talking about, does his research and suggests ideas for me to look into. He’s been very encouraging and has stayed in touch with me throughout my journey.”

It is never too late to start a new venture. Conor began his Art Photography degree aged 51 and started Special Moments Photomosaics aged 62.

If you are over 50 and would like free support to start a business, please get in touch with PRIME Cymru. Call 01550 721813 or email enquiries@primecymru.co.uk.

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