Hamilton’s iconic duck Lewis Mallard is making face masks during COVID-19

If you live in or around Downtown Hamilton, it’s not unlikely that you’ve seen – or at least heard about – a mysterious giant duck wandering the streets, often carrying a stack of handmade masks in his massive beak to deliver in-person (or should I say, in-duck) to local customers.

That duck is Hamilton folk artist Lewis Mallard, who keeps his true identity secreted under a human-sized, eye-catching paper mache duck costume, complemented by bright orange tights and matching Converse sneakers.

So while I thought the sunbather with the golden mullet last week was peak #HamOnt, Lewis Mallard just showed up at my door with a present, so now I'm at peak Hamilton for sure. pic.twitter.com/xTsboxgq2R

— Jason Allen (@Janoallen) July 14, 2020

When the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leaving countless artists in a state of career uncertainty, Mallard pivoted some of his attention to sewing up some handmade face masks to sell to Hamiltonians in need of one.

Best of all? If you live within reasonable walking distance of the downtown core, Lewis Mallard himself will deliver those masks – which he sells for $15 each – right to your doorstep.

Mallard has quickly emerged as somewhat of a Hamilton icon, as multiple locals have shared photos and videos of their encounters with the striking duck via social media as he makes the city smile during decidedly dark times.

There’s no better time to order a Mallard-made mask or two, either; Hamilton is on the brink of making masks and face coverings mandatory in a whole host of indoor public spaces. Pending ratification by city council this week, the new bylaw is set to go into effect next Monday, July 20th.

To check out Lewis Mallard’s artwork and buy his masks, check him out on Instagram.

Lead image courtesy of @lewis_mallard

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• art
• artist
• coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Duck
• face masks
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• Health
• Lewis Mallard
• masks
• pandemic
• Public Health