The charity wants to revamp the large painted artwork at the top end of the wall of Jersey Museum that runs between the Ordnance Yard and Pier Road. An artist is being sought for the project, which is kindly sponsored by Benest & Syvret.

The successful artist will be asked to draw inspiration for their mural design from the flagship ‘La Tèrr’rie d’Jèrri – d’s histouaithes dé not’ Île’ (Being Jersey – stories of our Island) exhibition at Jersey Museum. They will also work with the surrounding community and primary schoolchildren visiting the exhibition to generate ideas.

The current mural at 13, Pier Road was painted in 1999 by well-known Jersey artist Jason Butler. It focuses on the history of the immediate area – the bustling activity that took place between the military life of Fort Regent, the hotels and homes along Pier Road and the trade and commerce around the Harbour.

Although the mural has fared well, time and the weather have taken their toll and the artwork needs to be replaced – a move supported by the original artist.

Nicola Lucas, Jersey Heritage’s Community Events Curator, is organising the new mural project. She said: “The large mural on the side of Jersey Museum is such a well-known landmark and many Islanders have walked past it and enjoyed the public artwork over the years. We are incredibly grateful to Jason Butler for his support as we give this space a new lease of life. The mural wall is essentially a huge blank canvas for an artist to work on and we are excited to see what ideas they come up with to share the stories of Jersey.”

A planning application for the new mural was necessary because the artwork will include wording in the form of the Jersey Heritage and Benest & Syvret logos, which means it is classed as advertising. The plans include whitewashing the wall in preparation for it to be painted with a new design.

The project is expected to take several months and planning approval is subject to the design itself. Once the successful artist has gathered ideas and inspiration and completed their design, and approval is in place, scaffolding will be erected at the site to enable them to paint the new mural. It is hoped this can be done during the summer months when the weather is kinder.

Nina Benest, partner at Benest & Syvret, said: “Benest & Syvret are delighted to sponsor the creation of a mural for installation at the top of the Ordnance Yard steps. This is a fabulous opportunity to bring to life in pictorial form the award-winning exhibition at Jersey Museum, ‘La Tèrr’rie d’Jèrri – d’s histouaithes dé not’ Île’ (Being Jersey – stories of our Island). This project aligns with Benest & Syvret’s commitment to support and serve the local community, of which we are a part.”

  • Any artists interested in having their names put forward for the mural project should contact Nicola Lucas at lucas@jerseyheritage.org