Murals painted on gable walls were a vocal political expression during the recent period of history in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles. Today the murals are becoming tourist attractions. The People’s Gallery refers to twelve murals painted by three local artists, which interpret events during The Troubles in Derry.
The Free Derry Corner is instantly recognisable. The slogan 'You Are Now Entering Free Derry' was first painted in January 1969 to demarcate the Bogside and Creggan areas, and was repainted in preparation for the visit by Jim Callaghan, Home Secretary in 1969. The background wall was briefly painted pink in July 2007 for the Gasyard Féile and Foyle Pride Week.
The Petrol Bomber (visible behind Free Derry Corner) captures a moment in 1969. The image renders a photograph taken during The Battle of the Bogside, a three day period of rioting from 12-14 August 1969, which is often cited as the first major confrontation of The Troubles.
Civil Rights Mural - Rossville Street, Bogside, City of Derry
This mural is the last black and white image in The People’s Gallery. It represents the Civil Rights movement of 1968, a peaceful, non-sectarian campaign against disenfranchisement and gerrymandering. The image is derived from the photographic records of a fateful march on 5 October 1968, which ended in violence.
The Peace Mural - Rossville Street, Bogside, City of Derry
This recent mural was intended to be the last mural visitors would see when leaving the Bogside, with a deliberately hopeful, forward-looking theme. The mural includes an oak leaf as a dove’s wing. The leaf is the symbol of Derry, and the background of colour squares represents individuality and equality. A new mural, depicting people who made history in this area, will be on display soon.
