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New mural recreates famous Japanese wave painting

Josh Cann
David Britton A brightly coloured mural covers the gable end of a building, depicting towering Japanese-inspired waves carrying a Viking longboat past Ramsey landmarks including Queen’s Pier, Albert Tower and North Barrule. A glowing sunrise and stylised clouds create a vibrant backdrop, reimagining Hokusai’s The Great Wave in an unmistakably Manx settingDavid Britton
The artist said he wanted to reinterpret the world-famous artwork through a distinctly Manx setting

Manx artist David Britton has unveiled what is believed to be the Isle of Man's largest mural - inspired by a famous Japanese artwork.

The mural, entitled Shining by The Sea, has been painted on the rear of Ramsey's bowling alley near St Paul's Square.

Inspired by the instantly-recognisable Great Wave off Kanagawa, it was commissioned by Ramsey Town Commissioners as part of efforts to brighten up the town and support local artists.

The mural re-imagines Katsushika Hokusai's work by placing its familiar wave image in Ramsey Bay with a Viking longboat riding the swell, as the sun rises behind familiar Manx landmarks.

For Britton, the project marked the largest mural he has undertaken.

He said he wanted to take the dramatic Japanese work and create "a more hopeful scene", using brighter colours and depicting the Viking boat riding above the waves rather than being overwhelmed by them.

David Britton A close-up of the mural shows a mountain side with the manx symbol, and a castle tower. David Britton
The piece incorporates famous landmarks near Ramsey

Britton said working on the mural had given him the opportunity to meet residents and visitors who regularly stopped to watch its progress and discuss the artwork.

He also thanked his sister, Rachael Britton, along with fellow artists Andrew Kaighen and Loki Stonehouse for helping complete the project.

Funding for the mural came from the Department for Enterprise's Local Economy Fund.

The Commissioners said the mural formed part of a wider programme of public art across Ramsey and hoped it would add to the town's appeal.

David Britton Another view of the artwork at the rear of the town's bowling alleyDavid Britton
Another view of the artwork at the rear of the town's bowling alley

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