ICONIC Glasgow restaurant Rogano will highlight local artists over the coming months. 

The story behind the seafood restaurant will be portrayed on its doors in a series of artworks. 

Rogano, a staple for Glasgow foodies for over 85 years, has remained closed since the start of lockdown in March, prompting closure rumours. 

The speculations were quickly shot down, stating the restaurant would reopen in 2021 following refurbishment. 

But the massive plywood on its door will now showcase different Glasgow artists.

Each piece will see a different artist tell their favourite Rogano stories on the massive plywood starting with illustrator and cartoonist Ida Henrich. 

The first work will pay tribute to some Rogano's more illustrious guests over the years.

She said: Within my design, I wanted to celebrate the many special occasions from Rogano's long history. The artwork is inspired by BBC 4's 'My Dream Dinner Party' in which I envisioned some of the Rogano's past star visitors around the table.

"As the main star of the artwork, the food is at eye level. Hints within the artwork allude to the famous guests, but I also just wanted viewers to remember their own special occasions; eating oysters, trying lobster for the first time and sipping on fish soup!"

And the project was already warmly welcomed before it was even finished. 

The artist added: "While priming the wall, sketching the artwork and painting it, I have been stopped by passers-by. People have told me about their diamond anniversary with tears in their eye, about wearing ball gowns to dine here, meeting their soulmates, graduation parties many years ago and much more.

"One time a woman walked past and just said: 'Oh good something positive is happening' and some young lads on their bikes have given me the thumbs up and told me that they would be back to see the final artwork – which I take as a high compliment!

"All in all, it has been a nice conversation starter about some good times, which is worth a lot in these strange times.”

Each piece will be in place for eight weeks before another artist is highlighted in the project. 

The works will be available to purchase, each raising money for a different charity coinciding with the hopeful reopening of Rogano in 2021.

Managing director Lynn Mortimer said “When guests thought we were closing for good we were inundated with their stories from the restaurant over the years. It is more important than ever for us to preserve the history of Rogano.

"We’re looking forward to being able to raise money for some of our favourite charities while allowing people to own a piece of Rogano history through some truly special public art.”

The current 'Dinner Party' mural will be in place at 11 Exchange Place until November.