The 'Dvina'

 

The 'Dvina' is a Norwegian sailing boat which I painted on the East Pier in August 2014. Notable for its classic design, she was built in Russia in 1999 from Norwegian drawings.

Her owners were Norwegian husband and wife, Eric Irgens Elling and Anne Nrgren who had a small marine publishing company.

In 2014, they embarked on a voyage from Norway to the Azores, and en route decided to anchor off Wicklow harbour near the North Pier before berthing at the East Pier. I approached Eric and Anne and asked them if they would like that I paint a mural of the 'Dvina'. They were thrilled to accept my proposal.

Due to the inclement weather conditions, the couple stayed in the port for a week. It took me 20 hours in total over a couple of days during that week to complete my promised mural.

The sailing boat generated a lot of interest from local people and it was decided to hold a small mural naming ceremony to which locals brought drinks and buns. As is normal with my murals, my  last task was to paint the name of the boat as part of the ceremony which was greatly enjoyed by all in attendance.

Erik and Anne were delighted to see the finished mural before resuming their voyage to the Azores. Before departing, the couple gave a talk at the Wicklow Sailing Club on the 'Dvina' and its history which was very well received.

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