Permission is being sought to create a huge mural on the south side of the Columbine Shed in East
Cowes, although the intended design has not yet been finalised.
This historic building has been the home of incredible innovation for more than a century, including the building of speed boats for the wealthy, seaplanes and flying boats, jet fighter planes, as well as the first ever manned hovercraft in the world – SRN1.
Following the demolition of the neighbouring Medina Shed workshop, the south facing wall is now revealed, ready for painting.
Two phases
Phase one of the proposed mural by artist, Alice Malia, is funded by Forestry England and will feature a White-Tailed eagle.
Phase two of the mural will showcase innovation carried out inside the shed over the last 100+ year: the SRN-1 hovercraft, the Black Arrow rocket and the Princess SR45.
Alice told News OnTheWight that the image submitted for planning permission is a draft image that has not yet been finalised, but would be over the coming month.
Plans for the mural say,
“The installation of a suitable mural will enhance the view of the southern Columbine shed wall. In the present Red Funnel plans this is the view the disembarking passengers will see. It will also be adjacent to the new marshalling yard for departing passengers.
“The fact that the current class of ships used by Red Funnel is called the ‘Raptor’ class will link with the prominent White Tailed Sea Eagle design.
“Research work by the artist has been carried out at East Cowes Heritage Centre to establish the most suitable innovative flight development projects that were built within the Columbine shed to add to the mural.”
View the plans
You can view and comment on the plans (24/00109/FUL) on the council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until Friday 1st March 2024.
Article edit
5.15pm 5th Feb 2024 – Comment from AM added emphasising the design is provisional.
