Graduates and students collaborate on mural design for Norwich pub The Strangers Tavern

Recent graduates Ed Le May, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication and Peter Allen, BA (Hons) Fine Art have collaborated on a mural in a central Norwich pub.

Ed, who worked as a part-time sign writer throughout his studies, worked on several typography projects with The Strangers Tavern.

“The pub approached me to say they had some empty wall space and wanted some eye-catching art to go on it,” said Ed. “They were awesome with the brief – I had full creative freedom with regards to the content of the mural!”

During the initial UK lockdown period, Ed had some time to dwell on the brief. He began by researching the history of the city.

“I found out about Lady Julian of Norwich, along with the origin of the ‘Strangers’. This gave me an idea of celebrating the rich history of Norwich through portraying a pub scene in the time of the strangers” said Ed.

“I knew that in order to do the mural justice, I needed help from someone with classical painting experience. I approached my close friend and NUA student, Peter, to help bring it to life.”

Ed and Peter worked together on roughs to pitch to the pub owners, before finalising the design ready for painting.

“We realised early on that the job was quite a big one,” said Ed. “We decided to bring fellow BA Fine Art students Elly Lynn and Ruby Holness to help paint. It’s also great for them to get industry and mural painting experience.”

Between them, Ed and Peter art directed Elly and Ruby for flat colour filling and line art throughout the mural.

Ed called in help from Andrew Gooding, a graduate from BA (Hons) Graphic Design to photograph the project.

“It was a great use of the networking circle I have acquired from studying at NUA. One of the best things about studying at an arts uni is the other creatives you meet there” said Ed.

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