If you pop down to Hooe today, you’re in for a nice surprise!
Local artist Mrs Murals, known for her community support and public art works, has joined forces with Hooe Primary School and Councillor Rebecca Smith to create a piece of art on a previously dull and drab grey wall opposite Hooe Green.
Mrs Murals, as artist Ellie Johnson is known, has transformed an ugly wall by the primary school in Hooe from an old toilet block to an inspiring, interactive mural.
Speaking about the project, Mrs Murals said:
“The design of the mural is interactive, depicting wings that people can stand in front of to give the appearance of them having wings. The colours are those of the school and Devon, and also contains the school logo.
“I designed this mural for my local community to signify the end of lockdown and restarting our economy together.
“The support from local people both passing by and on social media has been overwhelming, from people stopping for a chat or to offer help, to a welcome cuppa, all of which I am very grateful for. Over the last year I’ve felt more connected to my local community, which has inspired me to paint something for everyone to enjoy.
“I was delighted to invite parents and children to use the mural to take photos as I was finishing the final touches too.
“Thank you to Hooe Primary Academy and Cllr Rebecca Smith for making it happen and thanks to everyone in Hooe for your kind words, help and support!”
Local Plymstock Radford Councillor, Rebecca Smith was contacted by Mrs Murals about the possibility of a mural on this wall in Hooe and offered to use her Community Grant to pay for a project as well as being to identify the owner of the wall (Hooe Primary Academy!)
After a visit to see the final artwork, Councillor Smith said:
“One of the highlights of being a City Councillor in Plymouth is having a pot of money to contribute directly to the community each year. When Mrs Murals approached me about supporting a project in Hooe, I was only too pleased to be able to use my Community Grant to pay for it.
“The angel wings are a lovely addition to the area and I know have already been much used by local children and adults alike including me!”
Before the school holidays started, the Headteacher of Hooe Primary Academy whose wall has been been transformed, Mrs Lewin said:
“When Mrs Murals and Councillor Smith approached us about transforming the old grey wall outside school, we were delighted.
“We love the work that Mrs Murals has painted on our school wall. All of our classes have been to visit and enjoyed the interactive nature of the piece either with a friend or a family member. We are thrilled that this has brightened up what was a dull and wasted wall.
“Although there was no intention with this by Mrs Murals, for some of our older staff, the wings represent two of our wonderful ex-pupils; it brings an extra special meaning to the piece. Thank you so much for arranging for this to be completed – what a thoughtful thing to do for our community. We would love for Mrs Murals to support us in the future with a Year 6 art legacy project.”
Next time you’re in Hooe, please pay a visit to the lovely angel wings and grab a picture. Feel free to share on Facebook or Instagram with @mrsmurals and @plymouthrebecca!
