A MURAL depicting the rich history of Poole has been painted on a restaurant at the Quay.

The ‘Guardian of the Sea’ mural added to Oriel On The Quay has a maritime inspired theme and features a flying angel figure.

The art was commissioned as part of recently completed external works at the restaurant, and as a tribute to returning the building back to its original design.

Oriel On The Quay opened in 1955, but the premises had previously operated as a chapel for sea men by the Mission of Seafarers charity.

In 1860, the Mission of Seafarers charity opened a chapel for sea men at the premises.

Often the priest of the chapel would row his dinghy from the Quay to boats moored in the harbour to preach and to give support to the crew and so the ‘Flying Angel’ figure, as the symbol of the seafarers, was the inspiration behind the mural.

Bournemouth Echo: The mural on Oriel On The QuayThe mural on Oriel On The Quay (Image: Poole BID)

Poole Quays Forum (PQF) recommended the funding for Oriel’s mural from BCP’s Neighbourhood portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Andy Preston, vice chair of PQF, said: “Oriel’s CIL application met PQF’s strict CIL criteria and the PQF Trustees felt that the mural would greatly add to the heritage of Old Town Poole as it clearly now does.”

Restaurant owners Ryan and Katie added: “We were keen to invest in the culture of the area and showcase part of its heritage whilst preserving the buildings history for future generations to enjoy.”

Rick Walker, from PaintShop Studio, designed the mural and spent three days completing it.

Bournemouth Echo: The mural on Oriel On The QuayThe mural on Oriel On The Quay (Image: Poole BID)

He said: “It has been a great project to be involved with and we really enjoyed researching the rich history of the area and using this to inform the style and subject of the mural.”

Jacqui Rock, Poole BID Lead, said: “It was great to hear about the mural from Ryan and Katie all those months ago.

“To have it unveiled and compliment our other Henry Gosse mural so wonderfully, and almost a year to the day too, is fantastic for Poole Town and congratulations to them for having the insight.

“We are all sure that it will become a cherished part of Poole Quay's identity.”