LADY MARINA

 by ATMA

AMTA’s huge mural on the James Hehir Building, owned by the University of Suffolk measures an impressive 576 square meters and has been identified as the biggest hand painted mural in the East of England.

“The mural, called ‘From Ipswich with Love’, is like a love letter from Ipswich to the world. I had the incredible opportunity to do workshops with Ipswich residents – the mural design on the James Hehir Building was born from these workshops. The mural showcases the beautiful spirit of Ipswich: creative, loving, open, forward thinking.

“Also, considering Ipswich as one of the most ancient towns in the UK, and at the opening to the sea, the mural will include details and references that I hope people will enjoy discovering. The focus of my work is to create an uplifting narrative anchored in its location, which resonates with its local community. And I hope the mural will become a timeless universal message of kindness, positivity and vibrancy.”

The mural was completed with the support of Star Platforms and has been fondly named ‘Lady Marina’ to reflect her prominent position on the Ipswich quayside.

Lady Marina

This lady has always been here

Now she appears
On the waterfront
A vision

Let us welcome the lady of peace,
Lady Marina
Daughter of the morning star
And the moving moon 

She lifts her head from her book
As pure love rises from it
She looks up at the fading stars,
to the birds
as in formation they fly
to far away places
Crying “Farewell”
in their myriad voices

Hail Lady Marina
Goddess of the Harbour
Spirit of the town
Protector of citizens
of ships
Guardian of the tides
as they ebb and flow

 The four winds play at her sides
gathered, intermingling
in beautiful colours and shapes. 

 It is early morning
the sun is a disk of fire rising
A new dawn
dazzling in the early sunlight

A vision
a dream come true
lady of Peace
we welcome you.

M.Gowen
15th September 2024