Artists Nicole Mollett and José Den Hartog are bringing art to Chatham. Celebrating the maritime history of the area, the duo have been commissioned to create a large ceramic mural across the front façade of Rats Bay Pumping Station.
As part of the large development plans for the waterfront, a new plaza will be located in front of the 1960s red brick building. This new mural will create an artistic centrepiece that serves both to add decoration and honour heritage.
The artists chosen – Nicole Mollett and José Den Hartog – have collaborated since 2007, both finding importance in community art that pays homage to local area and brings a deeper understanding of each unique location.
Mollett has created numerous artworks across Kent, including the recent Six Women Project in Gilligham, and the small Sheppey Treasures mural. Dutch artist José Den Hartog specialises in ceramics, bringing expertise to the large scale piece, as well as a flair for depicting sealife.
Drawing inspiration from the layered beauty of the water, depictions across the artwork will include boats and sealife, as well as the river’s ecology, and the ingenuity of waterworks engineering.
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