Appeal to give mural by Bill Ming, François Matarasso, and Nadia Nagual on Grade II-listed 43 Appletongate a facelift

An appeal is being launched to give one of the town’s iconic mural’s a facelift as it has started to look a little tired in recent years.

The stunning mural on the side of Grade II-listed 43 Appletongate, depicts the town’s heritage as a malting and brewing centre.

The mural was created by François Matarasso, Nadia Nagual, and Bill Ming around 1986-1987, with the help of the local community who offered their time and skills to help bring the project to fruition.

In recent years, however, it has started to fade and look a little weather-beaten, not helped by the tree in front of it.

Stuart Whomsley said that the mural was “stunning” in its hey day, but as it was now starting to look tired, is appealing to the public to come together and see about getting it restored.

“I was walking into town and I thought how much it had deteriorated — when you look at how it used to look it does look quite faded, and my thought is that it should be preserved,” he said.

“I am sure people will agree it’s a well done piece of art and a part of the town’s history.

“If we don’t do something, it will be lost forever.”

As the building is listed, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning development Business Manager, Oliver Scott, said that caution will have to be taken when it comes to restoring the mural, but that the council “should not have an issue” with the mural being restored.

Stuart is now calling upon anyone who might be able to help with the restoration of the mural — local artists, scaffolders, painters, or anyone who could help with the plan, as well as the owners of the building — to come together to stop the mural from fading from the wall altogether.

Those interested in getting involved, or with further information that may prove helpful to the project, can contact Stuart via email at stuartwhomsley@gmail.com