World Famous Map Mural Talk

I first initiated, designed and raised the funds for the original mural back in 1997 and started an arts group to undertake the painting in 1998, this idea came about when I lived in the area, tourists were always looking lost holding maps in their hands pointing in every direction. This is where the idea of the map came from.

After the original mural was completed, a survey by Portsmouth City Council established that local trade increased by an incredible 30% giving a much needed economic boost to the community's businesses creating in excess of £1 million whilst totally transforming the area.

The materials we use are mineral paints which the official life-span is over 100 years. To secure the future and maintenance of the mural, we took over the lease of the wall for 99 years from Southlands Housing Association which continues now with Vivid.

This high profile and visual iconic landmark has also had the power to reduce anti-social behaviour whilst building on community cohesion the project created in the design stages, workshops and well beyond the completion of the painting. We subsequently won the ‘Best Landscaping’ award in 1999 from The Portsmouth Society.

The Strand city map mural has also naturally become the only ever-changing public art mural in the world where every year we come back to add more and more detail. The mural is simply loved and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with residents dedicating memorials to loved ones or a unique advertising chance for local shops, business vans with even cars, boats, homes and the list goes on only limited by our imagination.

We have another 76 years on our lease and would hope to pass the baton to the next generation of local artists including my daughter. This would be through occasional grants whilst drumming up sponsorship to help create a living wage for the artists and ongoing maintenance.