Help Restore Our Mural
Wesley Wellington Parish is gearing up again for a new fundraising effort to restore the 100 year old mural on the east wall of the Old Hall.
Efforts to restore the mural were stalled in the mid-90s as other priorities for the Parish emerged. Restoration professionals are soon to re-evaluate the likely costs involved, and this will be well in excess of the original quote given in 1994 of $43,800.
The Parish Executive is now asking for donations and any suggestions for fundraising activities people may have are welcome.
The Old Hall mural looks out over the crowds gathered at Wesley’s 2005 Food Fair.
The hand-painted mural dates from the first decade of the 20th Century. The mural, compositionally unaltered today, has been described by experts as ‘unique’, ‘amazing’, ‘an integral part of the cultural heritage of this city and indeed the nation’, and ‘worthy of conservation? for future generations to enjoy’ (Environment Committee, Wellington City Council, 1995).
Evidence suggests that the mural was painted sometime between 1900-1910, at a time when the hall housed a large and growing Sunday School of some 900 students, with over 40 teachers. The date at the top of the mural – 1841 – was the year the Sunday School came into existence. The artists are unknown.
The brush strokes are typical turn-of-the-century in style, and symbolism plays an important part in the mural. For example the ivy leaf pattern is a symbol closely identified with immortality. The lilies in the corners of the in-painted window motifs are associated with purity. The heavenly stars flanking the date 1841 represent divine guidance, set in six curves, the number of creation. The predominant background colour to the central inscription is powder blue, symbolising heavenly love, with faded deeper blue arabesques embellishing the main text.
The mural is an oil painting on paper, with a hessian backing. Minimal fading has occurred to the pale blue background, and all-over abrasions and scouring of the paint surface is prevalent. There are numerous nail holes, sagging and exposed hessian, and some suspected water damage. It is evident however that the backing wall to the mural was never an outside wall, which means restorers are unlikely to confront mould growth, a common cause of degradation to similar murals adhered with hessian, popularly used at the time of its creation.
As a work or art reflective of its time it remains a fitting tribute to those who, with a certain vision, belief and hard work, contributed to its creation.
The Parish, and others in the wider community, feel it would be well worth preserving for future generations to enjoy.
You can donate by contacting Wesley Wellington Parish on (04) 384 7695 - or email using the contact form here.
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