GALLERY: Meet the artist painting shop windows throughout Ealing to promote shopping local

THE coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted lots of businesses throughout Ealing.

But the people of Ealing have really come together to support their local businesses and championed the idea of shopping local.

Now Make It Ealing - a company dedicated to supporting local businesses in Ealing Broadway - has come up with a unique idea to increase footfall for local businesses.

Make It Ealing got in touch with window artist, Alessandra Tortone and her partner Cedric Boston Griffiths - who together have formed Expert Window Art - and commissioned them to paint 60 shop windows as part of its campaign to encourage even more people to shop local.

Alessandra who lives in East London, told Ealing Nub News: "I've worked with Artisan Coffee in Ealing Broadway before and they told Gerry Barwick who's the Make it Ealing CEO to get in touch with us.

"I've been painting for over 20 years, I spend most of my time doing wall art for businesses, or painting murals in people's houses.

"I started painting windows at Christmas time and really enjoyed doing it, so I would do it for other special events too, like Mother's Day.

"It's like street art but on a window instead."

Alessandra believes that shop fronts need some sort of change and variety in order to draw people's attention.

She said: "Restaurants and cafes tend to look very similar and by painting the windows, it makes them different and sets them apart.

"It's even better if we can paint something different each season or special occasion, like with summer and winter, or Christmas and Easter.

"And we have to make sure to add unique and personable touches that make each artwork fun, both the business owners but also customers walking past need to fall in love with the art."

Alessandra, who's originally from Italy said that her favourite part of the job is the appreciation the owners show after she completes her work.

"It's so exciting, they keep thanking you and are so appreciative of your work.

"Most of our customers come back again or have been told to contact us through word of mouth, it's always so nice to see that our efforts are being recognised," she added.

You can see many examples of Alessandra's and Cedric's work throughout Ealing Broadway, just keep an eye out on colourful shop windows.