From Hospital Walls to Social Media Fame: Artist Brightens Kids' Days

Adam Salisbury is an artist from Blackpool who has brought color and joy to many people, especially children in hospitals. As a child, Adam was fascinated by a mural of Thomas the Tank Engine at his local hospital. Every time he visited, whether for his own injuries or to see family, he made sure to see the mural. This early love for art inspired him to dream of painting his own murals in the hospital one day. Decades later, Adam has fulfilled that dream by painting nearly 30 walls at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. His murals feature beloved characters from Toy Story and The Lion King, making the children's ward a brighter and more welcoming place. Adam is especially proud of a mural of a Blackpool tram, which he dedicated to his late grandfather, who always encouraged him to pursue his artistic talents.

Adam's journey as an artist began when he was very young. His first teacher told his mother that Adam would become a great artist. His grandfather, who enjoyed making things out of wood and drawing, always supported Adam by buying him new paints and brushes. Adam's mother also encouraged his creativity by letting him paint on the walls of his room. He painted dinosaurs, cartoon characters, and whatever else he liked at the time. Adam attended art college, where he excelled in his artwork but struggled with the academic side of the course. After college, he put his art on hold to work in retail and became a supermarket manager.

Everything changed in 2015 when Adam posted a video on Facebook of a dinosaur mural he painted in his son's bedroom. The video received over 1,000 likes and many positive comments, which reignited his passion for art. He began painting murals in gyms and bedrooms, sharing his work on social media. His popularity grew quickly, especially after a video of his Harry Potter mural went viral on TikTok, gaining him hundreds of thousands of followers. A nurse saw his work and invited him to paint at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he has since completed several murals funded by the Blue Skies Charity. Adam's art has transformed the hospital, making it a more cheerful place for patients, visitors, and staff. He has also painted portraits of celebrities like Will Smith and Eminem, and when Will Smith shared Adam's video, it was a highlight of his career. Adam now runs his own tattoo studio and continues to create art that inspires others. He hopes to open a not-for-profit art foundation in Blackpool to help the next generation of artists. Adam believes in following your dreams and encourages others to do the same, saying, 'Never stop believing in your vision. '