Steps being taken to protect Cumberland mural

By Mark Allan - Comox Valley Record - July 08, 2008

There is no need to worry about a colourful mural depicting Cumberland history, its owner said Monday.

“We had a problem with the Plexiglas,” Cumberland General Store owner Wayne Procter admitted about the four-feet-high by 40-feet-wide creation of renowned muralist Frank Lewis, who now lives in the Victoria area.

Cumberland artist Teresa Wild expressed concern at a recent village town hall meeting, saying the Plexiglas covering the mural on the external west wall of the store was expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature.

This, she said, caused the Plexiglas to warp, allowing it to touch the mural and damage it.

Wild also expressed concern that it was now possible for water to get in and damage the mural, which Lewis painted almost 20 years ago on behalf of the store’s owners of the day.

She said the mural’s current situation was embarrassing because it was noticed during a recent visit by an English descendant of union martyr Albert (Ginger) Goodwin, one of the most prominent figures on the mural.

“We’re on it, and there’s nothing to worry about,” reacted Procter, explaining the Plexiglas “etched” the mural but didn’t peel it, creating what looks like water drops.

Procter said the Plexiglas is being replaced by glass.

The mural, formerly mounted inside the building when it was known as the Home Store, has been mounted externally since January after being brought out of storage.

“We spent a lot of money to put it up. We’re proud of it,” stated Procter, adding that he is disappointed the Plexiglas method did not work as he had been told it would.

Wild suggested the Village of Cumberland assume ownership to protect the mural. Mayor Fred Bates said Coun. Bronco Moncrief would speak to Procter and report back to council.

If the latest solution does not work, Procter said he would consider donating the mural.