The story behind the painting in this new bar and restaurant

James Callaghan spent three months creating the beautifully detailed commission for The Rest in Neilston which recently reopened under new ownership.

The Rest recently reopened under new ownership following a massive refurbishment project (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns) The 53-year-old produced the landscape piece after placing together old photos supplied by local historian Matt Drennan for inspiration.

The painting by James (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns) James told the Glasgow Times: “My style of painting is not unique, but it’s quite different to a lot because I paint in black and white but then I’ll add a splash of colour in a certain area to draw the viewer’s eye.

“I chose to do the Crofthead Mill with Neilston Pad in the background because the Pad provides a lovely backdrop and it’s instantly recognisable.

“Rather than bring it up to date I kept it traditional. I would say (the painting depicts) around 1910/11 or something like that.

“It’s got the old coal mine trains in it and all the stuff that transported goods from the mill to as far away as Ardrossan.

“I couldn’t find an individual photo of what I’ve painted, so I’m hoping that what I have painted is quite unique because it takes in a broader part of the landscape.”

One of the old photos James used as inspiration (Image: Supplied) The Crofthead Mill was established in Neilston in the 1790s and by 1830 it was the biggest producer of spun cotton of all the mills on the Levern.

The original mill burned down in 1883 but was replaced by a series of buildings, many of which still stand today. 

One of the old photos James used as inspiration (Image: Supplied) James’ painting was produced on stretched canvas, using acrylics which were built it up in layers to provide texture, before being finished off with several coats of protective varnish to make the colours pop.

Sized around 140cm by 100cm it is one of the biggest commissions completed by James who specialises in portraits, landscapes, cityscapes and surrealism.

James (Image: Newsquest)

He first discovered his flare for art at a young age and enjoyed it during his schooldays at Holyrood Secondary in Glasgow’s southside, but despite having the opportunity to pursue further study in it, he decided to enter the world of work instead and kept the pursuit as just a hobby for a long time thereafter.

Since pursuing it more seriously, he has painted commissions for people from all corners of the globe and has had his artwork displayed in a London gallery and at The Stag Gallery at Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries.

His art career has particularly taken off in the last 18 months after he was forced to retire due to ill health from his job at Glasgow Clyde College’s Children’s Centre in Cardonald where he worked as a child development officer for 16 years.

James Callaghan (Image: Newsquest) James recently illustrated a new children’s book, “A New Home for Oyen”, which was inspired by a stray cat, who was adopted by an unlikely family, the capybaras at a Malaysian zoo.

This latest commission, however, is particularly special to him as he has lived in Neilston for almost 30 years and it is where his children were brought up.

Jeanette, Lisa and James (Image: Newsquest) “I’m hoping that The Rest has great success with its new owners and that it’s there for many years,” added James.

“Hopefully my painting will be on the walls for many years as well.

“It’s quite a compliment to think that local people will be able to go in and see my work while they are having a pint or a meal.

“I thoroughly enjoyed doing it.”

Lisa Easdon (Image: Newsquest) A spokesperson for the Rest described the painting as a “beautifully detailed commission” and “a thoughtful piece towards Neilston’s heritage.” 

The pub and restaurant, which was formerly known as the Travellers Rest and suffered a blaze back in 2021, welcomed its first customers at the end of December, following a massive renovation project.

Initially it opened for limited hours, serving drinks only, but it is now also offering a tempting food menu.

(Image: Newsquest) “We are extremely grateful for the support and how busy the premises has been the last few weeks (especially at the weekends),” they added.

“We are so excited for what 2025 is yet to bring.”