26/05/2026
Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Elph, aka Elphone, aka Brian McFeely.
King of the street artists, a pivotal member of The 16K Design Works in its formative days, and treasured friend for many years.
Elph joined The 16K Design Works in the early 2000's after a chat over a pint in an Edinburgh pub. We immediately warmed to this funny wee guy, whose spark shone brightly. I'd done some flyers for legendary Scottish hip hop club 'Seen', and had been given his incredible illustrations to use, we must have met at the club, but if you remember it, you weren't there!
He fitted in straight away, producing amazing artwork constantly, interspersed with constant experimentation, he was always trying some new way of animating his work, always trying something new!
He quickly became a good friend. Drinks after work with Elph took it to another level, and became a motivation to get through the work of the day. 6pm-ish would arrive (maybe more like 7), and first album by The Streets would go on the stereo, and we'd head off for adventure into the heart of Edinburgh.
He was with us when we lost everything in the 'Great Fire of Edinburgh' when our offices in the Gilded Balloon on The Cowgate burnt to the ground on that fateful Saturday night in December 2002. And he was part of the decision we made the next day (again over a pint), to either throw the towel in, or rebuild, and rise like a phoenix from the ashes.
He taught me so much every day, his spark for creating was an inspiration and a constant goal to reach for, even to this day.
He introduced me to so many great people, in the club, graffiti, hip hop and art scenes.
I wish I'd know him longer! In the mid 2000's he decided to leave 16K, and pursue his art full time. Which although sad for us, was certainly the right call. I had no doubt he would shine as brightly as he did.
I hadn't seen him in a lifetime now, although we'd recently re-connected via social media. I wish I'd seen him more over the years since, I'm sure every meeting would have put an extra spark in my step.
He will always be fondly remembered and honoured in our house.
The world is a little bit darker today.
