Mural adds zest and colour

Latest one unveiled at Wolfe Tone Terrace

The colourful mural of the famous maker of silent films, Rex Ingram, that has been painted on the gable end of a house at Wolfe Tone Terrace, Nenagh, is proving very popular among members of the public, elected members of the Nenagh Municipal District were told at their October meeting.

Following the successful completion of a painting and enhancement scheme at the terrace, the owner of the property with a gable end on Hanley’s Place approached the council and asked if it would consider this location for the provision of a mural to further enhance the area.

As part of the dialogue the property owner expressed a preference that the mural would be a piece of public art that would reflect elements of the town's Historic and Cultural Quarter.

The council commissioned Limerick based graphic artist Liam Madden to deliver the project.

Liam has been venturing into urban art over the last number of years and the council liked his work for its “bold” and “vintage flare”.

A draft of the proposed work was provided to the owner of the property and following his extremely positive reaction work went ahead.

The mural commemorates Ingram, who lived in Nenagh at the turn of the 19th century. It was in the town that he watched his first moving picture in 1901.

As a young man, he attended a travelling circus that visited the town. The mural pays homage to his unique contribution to arts and culture.

Liam Madden said of the project: “For this illustration I attempted to capture Rex doing what he does best - directing film, keeping a close eye on what’s going on ahead of him.

“I utilised an Art Deco pattern on his jacket as a reference to the era he was most famous for.

“The tagline ‘Silence Was Golden’ [written on the bottom of the mural] is a reference to the silent era of film and finally the four coloured dots represent the name of his most famous film, ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’. It was a real joy painting this mural and engaging with those locally whilst painting.”

Speaking at the October municipal district meeting, Cllr John Carroll complimented the council staff involved, saying the mural really enhances the town.

POSITIVE REACTION

District Administrator, Rosemary Joyce said there had been an extremely positive reaction to the art piece. She revealed that the council was also hoping to commission further murals at Emmet Place and Mitchell Street.

Cllr Seamus Morris said he would love to see a mural of the Nenagh born peacemaker Fr Alec Reid commissioned. The works did not always have to feature humans; it would be nice to see murals of animals too.

District Manager Marcus O' Connor said the murals really brightened the look of the town, but it was difficult to get suitable gable ends for them. The council would work with any property owners who has suggestions.

Ms Joyce said plans were afoot to carry out restoration works on the mural on the gable of Sexton's old pub in Sarsfield Street.