Bedminster Pharmacy’s superintendent pharmacy Ade Williams told C+D he commissioned the mural on its relocated premises, so passers-by understand “how community pharmacy really becomes the bridge to the NHS”.

“We’re really grateful to Inkie for bringing that concept to life for us,” Williams said. “It means the message of who we are is not only when our doors are open.

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“It’s a constant reminder for everybody that walks past that community pharmacy is part of the NHS and they serve a very important role in that community.” 

Williams revealed that Inkie will add the final touches to the mural to paint ‘NHS’ in blue.

The pharmacist’s links to street art extend beyond Inkie’s new mural, as at Bedminster Pharmacy’s previous location he commissioned artist Zoë Power to produce artwork for the old shutters. 

Williams, who paints himself, has also been involved in supporting the local area’s street art projects. 

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“The area holds Upfest, the largest street art festival in Europe. I used to chair one of the sponsoring organisations for it, the Bedminster Business Improvement District. 

“With the new mural, it brings a wonderful partnership opportunity, not least because he’s also a good collaborator with Banksy.” 

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Inkie started out in the 80s Bristol scene and came second in the 1989 World Street Art Championships. 

In 1998 he arranged Bristol’s Walls on Fire event with Banksy, having previously painted with the infamous but anonymous graffiti legend. 

Williams said he understands how “people’s opinions sometimes are against” street art but believes they don’t understand how it “can be beautifying”.  

“We have loads of murals around and lots of people come and take pictures from all over the world because the artists that create those murals are there,” he said.  

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“But there’s never been a mural that links the NHS and community pharmacy in our area. The NHS is this iconic British institution, and people can now understand that community pharmacy is a key cornerstone of it.” 

It comes as Williams was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater the University of Portsmouth last month for his “pioneering” healthcare innovations and leadership.