Romerils Unveils Ukraine Mural

A mural celebrating Ukraine is now on show alongside Romerils on Dumaresq Street.

The company says it wanted to create a visual reminder of the importance of standing for freedom and approached ArtHouse Jersey.

The mural features the nightingale and sunflower, which are the national symbols of Ukraine; along with other images to represent the struggles that people in the country are going through.

It was created by local mural artist, Ben Robertson, who is better known as BOKRA:

"When first approached by ArtHouse Jersey about this project I was apprehensive due to the sensitive subject, but after spending two weeks researching Ukrainian culture, with the help of Jersey Library, Historian Howard Baker, and meetings with local Ukrainians and Russians, I began to understand the people of Ukraine and their rich culture.

Whilst painting the mural the feedback was only positive, I even had people recognising the Ukrainian patterns as their ancestors' heritage. I am grateful to Romerils for supporting Ukraine, and the arts in Jersey, and for all the work behind the scenes from ArtHouse Jersey."

A sign outside the Dumaresq Street shop explains the message behind the mural.

Romerils' Chairman, Mark Syvret, explained why they wanted to help:

"The invasion of Ukraine has provoked an outpouring of support on the Island. As an Island once occupied by enemy forces, we are conscious of the importance of liberty, independence and identity and so we are thrilled that, in conjunction with ArtHouse Jersey, Ben Robertson (BOKRA) has designed this mural which celebrates Ukraine and its unique culture.

Our thanks go to Ben and ArtHouse Jersey for their input and we hope this artwork will not be appreciated just as a visual delight, but as a reminder of those nations enduring great loss and hardship."