Famous Murals Around the World
Murals are one of the oldest forms of artwork, dating back 30,000 years to the Chauvet Cave in southwestern France. Each one tells its own unique story of its time and place in history. Today, as urban art, they bring art to the public, often while making a significant political or social statement. Inside, they transport captivate your eye, transporting you to a whole other world.
We’re fascinated by murals. They are the inspiration for what we at Bijou Wallcovering do every day: create custom murals for our clients. In this post, we take a trip around the world for a look at some of the most inspirational murals ever made.
The Urban Mural - The Great Wall of Los Angeles
Murals are an important part of the urban landscape. They can beautify a public space or act as a medium for political or social commentary, creating a dialogue among viewers. The Great Wall of Los Angeles, aka the History of California, is a perfect example. One of the largest murals in the world at 13.5 feet high by 2754 feet long (approximately half a mile), it is painted on the west wall of the Tujunga Flood Control Channel in North Hollywood. The project began in 1974, and was completed over the course of 5 summers. It was created by more than 400 youths and their families from diverse backgrounds working with artists, historians, scholars and community members.
The paint-on-concrete Great Wall depicts the history of California and acts as a monument to inter-racial harmony. Its segments are arranged chronologically, from prehistoric times through the 1960s. Its imagery focuses on themes such as immigration, the exploitation of people and land, women’s rights, racial inequality and the fight for LBGT rights. Its style was inspired by Mesoamerican art, Mexican muralists of the 1930s, and the Chicano mural movement of the 1970s.
Murals as Interior Design
Now let’s go indoors to discover how the use of wall murals in interior design can create a transformative experience for viewers and serve as a stunning design statement in hospitality, commercial or residential settings.
Here are some examples of high-profile wall murals that are truly inspirational.
The White House
Wall murals created by the French firm Jean Zuber & Co. still survive in parts of the White House, despite numerous renovations by first wives including Jaqueline Kennedy and Melania Trump. This French woodblock-printed wallpaper from the 1830s is famous for its panoramic scenes. Those in the White House depicting New York, West Point and Boston Harbor are Washington D.C.’s best example of antique 19th century mural wallpaper, which has recently made a huge comeback.
As legend has it, upon her approval at the White House in 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy was widely criticized for “Frenchifying” the Diplomatic Reception Room’s décor with the help of a French decorator. She installed Zuber’s panoramic wallpaper showing ships being unloaded at Boston Harbor, and military cadets at West Point. In fact, the French artist, Jean-Julien Deltil, never set foot in the United States.
New Orleans’ Hotel Saint Vincent
This red brick building in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District was once the Saint Vincent’s Infant Asylum, built in 1861. Renovated as a hotel by Austin’s Lambert McQuire Design, it features custom-designed wallpaper with psychedelic flowers in some of the unique guest rooms. Its Paradise Lounge is adorned with tropical murals by the artist Ann Marie Auricchio.
House of Hackney
The House of Hackney, a luxury interiors label with a flagship store in the East London shopping district of Central London, is known for its remarkable wallpaper. It created the murals for a home once occupied by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and now owned by the model Kate Moss. Coleridge’s former bedroom is now a guest room, where House of Hackney created an “Eden” mood board with materials such as snakeskin, leopard patterns and bamboo.
The wall murals depict a tropical storm motif with a nature-inspired design. It’s the epitome of maximalism, the art of “more is more,” using art, highly saturated colors, layered patterns and lots and lots of accessories.
Annabel’s in London
This newly-renovated famous club in London features maximalist, almost decadent, interior design. Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki made the space all about animals and gardens, two things he loves. Inspired by a painting showing the fall of man from the Garden of Eden, it abounds with flora and fauna, including fruits and flowers, cheetahs, tigers, elephants and lush foliage. Check out the floral mural in ladies’ room.
Need more inspiration? Take a look at our Lookbook to get inspired, or call us today to get started on a ridiculously good looking wall mural for whatever type of project you are working on.
