Objections to Guinness mural at Durham’s The Boat Club

The owners of The Boat Club in Durham City have applied for retrospective advertising consent after unveiling the new facade earlier this year. 

The mural was painted by local artist Glenn Malpass and includes a toucan balancing a pint of Guinness on its beak alongside an illustration of Durham Cathedral. 

However, John Lowe, of the City of Durham Trust, urged Durham County Council to refuse the application due to its “negative impact” on Elvet Bridge and the riverside.  

The mural was painted by local artist Glenn Malpass and includes a toucan balancing a pint of Guinness on its beak alongside an illustration of Durham Cathedral. (Image: ELG Planning)

He said: “It is very visible from Elvet Bridge and reduces the quality of its setting. It takes away from the quality of views of the riverside and is incongruous within the conservation area.

“Approving this will encourage other leisure premises to attempt similar advertising, of concern because of the number of and competition between leisure uses in the city centre.”

Planning officers working on behalf of the venue said the mural can be classified as “a public art installation or mural, due to its distinct local imagery and influences”. 

However, in July, the council wrote to the venue to say the mural was “unlawful” because advertisement consent had not been granted. 

The Trust added: “The toucan balancing a pint of Guinness was a long-running advertisement theme and is now firmly associated with the Guinness brand.

“This may create some nostalgic resonance, but it firmly remains as advertising for both brand and for public houses.

“There may be a trend for pubs to paint large toucan murals, but this has no association with Durham or the riverside.

“The introduction of a few local references to the separate retaining wall adds little value, given that the reality of what it depicts sits on the river in front of it.  

“There is no need for additional advertising as the pub is a well-known location and more modest signage would suffice.”

The applicant said the mural complies with the council’s planning policies and disputes its potential impact on the surrounding area.  

A planning statement added that the mural would make a “positive contribution to the vibrant, commercial character of the locality by enhancing the sense of place and public realm at Jailor’s Yard/Boathouse Yard, whilst remaining sympathetic to the surrounding historical context.”

Durham County Council will consider the application in due course.