A large-scale mural in the Ferrybank area of Waterford city has been commissioned with the aim of bringing the area's history to life.
International artist Mariana Duarte Santos is in the process of transforming a 150-metre wall into an artwork that runs along the Dock Road from Waterford train station.
The project is a collaboration between Waterford City and County Council and the organisers of an annual street art festival in the city, Waterford Walls.
Both organisations have said the "evocative images" depicted in the new mural reflect Waterford's heritage and have a "particular focus" on the historic communities of Ferrybank and Sallypark.
The mural is said to take inspiration from materials provided by the council's archive department, such as maps, census records, newspaper articles and photographs.
From these sources, the project team has said: "29 distinct scenes will be reimagined, charting the north side of the city's development as a thriving industrial port and a vibrant, close-knit community."
Originally from Lisbon in Portugal, Mariana Duarte Santos began painting large-scale outdoor murals in 2019.
She has since completed over 50 public works across Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg and Ireland.
Her practice is said to be rooted in themes that include memory, collective identity and the power of local storytelling.
Paul Johnston, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, said this was a historically grounded project.
He said: "With the ongoing regeneration of the North Quays, preserving and celebrating the history and essence of Ferrybank is vitally important.
"This mural is significant not only in scale but it is a stunning visual narrative that bridges past, present and future."
"Most importantly, it pays tribute to the people who shaped Ferrybank, from railway workers and stevedores to families and generations of residents, whose lives and livelihoods defined the character of the area," Mr Johnston added.
