A rental apartment that was transformed into a “fantasy world” by its artistic tenant has been listed as a historic monument after volunteers intervened to save it.

Ron Gittins lived in his rented flat in Oxton, Wirral, for over 30 years. During that time he completely transformed the interior, had lion and minotaur fireplaces built, a Roman altar built in the kitchen and painted floor-to-ceiling Egyptian, Greek and maritime murals.

Mr Gittins reportedly only allowed a handful of people into his home during his lifetime, but when his niece Jan Williams visited him after his death in 2019, she dedicated herself to saving the apartment, known as “Ron’s Place.”

“He had created his own fantasy world in a rented apartment,” she said.

“You hear of people whose landlords won’t return their deposit because they left a strip of tape on the wall and he built an entire Minotaur fireplace!”

Now Mr Gittins’ work is the first example of outsider art – a term used to describe work by people without conventional artistic training – to be given Grade II listed status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England.

Former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, one of those who have supported efforts to save the apartment, said: “A small number of people on this planet have known for some time that Ron’s Place is a very special place – but from now on it is official: Ron’s Place is a listed building!

“The work of a unique gentleman in the north of England has received national recognition. Even worldwide. Hallelujah!”

Ms Williams said she and other volunteers had originally applied for the property to be listed as a historic monument to “ward off evil” and deter developers from buying the building.

But thanks to a donation last year, the group, known as the Wirral Arts and Culture Community Land Trust, was able to buy the house at auction and now hopes to use it to inspire other artists.

Ms Williams, who is also an artist and runs the Caravan Gallery, said: “We always had the idea of ​​a holistic art house. I’m sure that’s what Ron would have wanted and the registration gives us a lot more credibility.”

She believed her uncle, who died at the age of 79, would be “overjoyed” to know that his work had been included in the list.

“He was really proud of it,” she said. “It’s sad because when I was looking through his things, I found a postcard he had written me: ‘I can’t wait to show you what I’ve made.'”

“He had written it to the wrong address, so it was sent back to him and I never saw it, but that kind of makes me feel right and I think he would be excused given the effort we made.”

Volunteer Alison Bailey-Smith said it was initially a struggle to convince people to list the property.

“Normally a building with historical or architectural significance is listed, but this is about an artist, an artist who has given the building from floor to ceiling free rein to his creativity,” she said.

“As far as we know, there is nothing like it in the UK and certainly nothing else is listed, so we are absolutely delighted.”

Sarah Charlesworth, Head of Listings North at Historic England, said: “Ron’s Place is a testament to Ron Gittins’ unique artistic achievements and vision over four decades.

“The extent to which Ron’s creations have inspired local people to raise money to purchase the building and secure his legacy shows the value of this remarkable project and why it deserves its place on the National Heritage List for England.”