One man's artistic wonderland, created secretly in rented apartment, given protected status

A rental property that was transformed by an artist has been officially protected by the British government. The property, located in Birkenhead, England, was decorated by the artist who lived there for three decades. The artist, who had limited formal artistic training, covered every available surface with artwork and murals depicting historical scenes. The property, known as “Ron’s Place,” was bought by an arts and culture community land trust and has now been granted Grade II listing by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The property is currently being preserved and will become a micro-museum and a space for other artists to work. It is the first example of Outsider Art to be given protected status in England.