Museum Seeks Artist to Create New Mural for Building Exterior

A charity is inviting artists to help transform a 26-year-old mural that is ready for a fresh look.

Jersey Heritage plans to commission a new artwork on the side of the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery to replace the existing mural painted by Jason Butler in 1999.

The large painting, located between the Ordnance Yard and Pier Road, has stood up well over the years. However, the charity said the effects of time and weather mean it is now ready to be replaced.

Project organiser Nicola Lucas described the wall as “essentially a huge blank canvas for an artist to work on”.

The selected artist will be encouraged to take inspiration from the museum’s flagship exhibition, La Tèrr’rie d’Jèrri – d’s histouaithes dé not’ Île. They will also work with members of the community and primary school pupils visiting the exhibition to help develop ideas for the design.

The decision to replace the current mural - which illustrates the area’s past, including the military life of Fort Regent, hotels and homes along Pier Road, and the harbour’s trading history - has been backed by its original artist.

Lucas said the organisation appreciated Butler’s support as the project moves forward.

“We are incredibly grateful to Jason Butler for his support as we give this space a new lease of life,” she said. “We’re excited to see the ideas artists bring forward to help tell the stories of Jersey.”

Before work begins, the wall will be whitewashed to prepare it for the new design. The project is expected to take several months to complete during the summer.

Planning permission will also be required because the artwork will include the logos of Jersey Heritage and the sponsor, Benest & Syvret, meaning it is classified as advertising.