The Peter Markey Mural on Falmouth's Webber Street has been restored by one of the original painters who worked on it in 1985, as well as artist Nicole White and more than 30 volunteers.

Shane Buckingham, Paul Harris and Tristan Jewell painted the mural based on a Markey drawing 33 years ago. Falmouth Art Gallery was delighted to discover that Shane still lives in the area and works in Falmouth as a traffic warden.

Mural artist Nicole said: "Shane painted the mural originally when he was 16, he would come by and tell us stories of making the mural back in the day."

The restoration of the historic landmark was funded by National Lottery as part of Falmouth Art Gallery's 'A Cabaret of Mechanical Movement' project and with the support of the building owners, Tesco.

 

Before the restoration

Peter Markey is known as the ‘father’ of the Falmouth automata makers and is an important figure in the town’s artistic heritage.

He taught art for many years at Falmouth School and encouraged his pupils in automata making. Markey is famous for his naïve style which can be seen in the large public mural on Webber Street that he designed in 1984.

 

The newly-restored mural

The mural was originally commissioned by the Falmouth Civic Society and work was carried out by The Man-Power Services Commission using Markey’s drawings.

Henrietta Boex, director of cultural services, said: "We would like to thank Nicole and all of the volunteers who worked so hard to re-paint the Markey Mural.

"The mural looks splendid and really lifts the appearance of Webber Street. Most people had forgotten the pigeons at the bottom as they had been covered in dirt for so long!

"We are so grateful to the National Lottery, Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Lottery players who have enabled this project to take place."

Falmouth’s mayor, councillor Grenville Chappel said: "It would have been such a shame to see this wonderful mural waste away. The restoration is fantastic so well done to everybody who took part. What would we do without the volunteers who make these community projects happen?"

Falmouth Art Gallery is open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, admission free.

For information on this exhibition please contact Donna Williams on 01326 313863 or info@falmouthartgallery.com.