A UNIQUE Dickensian-themed mural at Greta Bridge’s Morritt Hotel is undergoing restoration, almost 80 years after it was first painted.
The mural across the walls of the hotel bar was painted by John Gilroy who famously produced Guinness’ advertising posters.
Appropriately Guinness brand owners Diageo are helping to pay for the restoration by Sarah Daniels and Sarah Hodgkins, of Charlotte Designs. Annie Mason, a manager at the hotel, said: “It was painted in February 1946 in 11 days. He came up after the war to paint Major Morritt’s portrait.”
She added, however, that no one knows how the painting of the mural came about.
Ms Mason said: “They [all the characters featured in the mural] are local people. One is him himself [John Gilroy].”
She added that while she knows some of the people who feature in the mural, she is hoping others who are able to identify their parents, uncles, aunts or grandparents will get in touch so a full list can be compiled.
A portrait of Major Morritt forms part of the mural, above the entrance door.
The restorers admit being in awe of the work.
Ms Daniels said: “We are absolutely engrossed in it. We are loving every minute of it. You can’t help but dissect it as an artist – his style is really simple and really loose.”
Part of their work includes removing varnish and filling in cracks and holes.
Ms Daniels said: “The varnish is holding up the walls in some places, so we have to be really careful to take it off.”
They expect to take about two weeks to complete the work. Meanwhile the work is due to form part of a BBC documentary series, with a production crew having already done filming before the work got underway, during the restoration process last Wednesday, and are due to return once the job is done.
Anyone who can identify any of the people featured in the mural can ring Ms Mason on 01833 627232.
