Isle of Wight Red Funnel ferry mural inspired by Columbine Building

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A mural has inspired new artwork and signage onboard an Isle of Wight ferry.

The display is featured on Red Funnel's Red Eagle and celebrates the large-scale mural on the Columbine Building in East Cowes.

Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: "East Cowes has a proud heritage of innovation, from its rich industrial history to more than a century of conservation work across the Island, helping to bring the white-tailed eagle back to our skies, and this mural captures that story beautifully.

"Since it was unveiled in 2024, Alice’s artwork has become a real point of pride for the community, and we’re incredibly proud to display the mural onboard Red Eagle.

"The moment feels especially significant as Red Funnel enters its 165th year serving the Isle of Wight, at a time when it feels more important than ever to celebrate the people, places, and stories that continue to shape East Cowes."

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The Red Eagle mural (Image: Red Funnel)

The Red Eagle now features vibrant images and information panels that tell the story behind the 800-square-metre mural, painted in 2024 by an all-female team of Isle of Wight artists led by mural artist Alice Malia.

The new display begins with the story of the white-tailed eagle, a species recently reintroduced to the south coast after more than 200 years.

It also highlights seagrass meadows in the Solent, which provide vital breeding grounds for fish and cuttlefish, key food sources for the birds.

The mural celebrates the industrial legacy of the Columbine Building, including the invention of the hovercraft and the Black Arrow rocket, Britain’s first successful satellite launch vehicle.

It also honours its current role as the home of Wight Shipyard Co, where traditional maritime skills meet modern technology.

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L-R: Ross Edmunds, Hollie Jackson, Emma Goss, Sabrina Roscino-Holbrook, Alice Malia, Uliana Hammond, Laura Hathaway, Caroline Underwood, Trudie Wilson.  (Image: Red Funnel)

The original artwork by Alice Malia was reworked for the onboard mural by Red Funnel graphic designer Matt De'Lacy-Harrison, with production and installation funded by the ferry company.

Alex Minns, service director for community regeneration and economy at Isle of Wight Council, said: "This project captures the very best of the Isle of Wight.

"It celebrates our wildlife, our creativity and our history of innovation.

"The signage shares that story onboard Red Eagle, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to connect with the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status and the remarkable legacy of the Columbine Building from the moment they arrive."

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