Portsmouth, New Hampshire Wyland Whaling Wall 37

History of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Wyland Whaling Wall 37

-Isle of Shoals Humpbacks

By the time Wyland reached Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the second city scheduled on the East Coast Tour, the artist and his crew knew they were in for a long, grueling 17 weeks. But the community’s exuberance and genuine interest in the Whaling Wall project picked up their spirits, resulting in a beautiful
mural for the people of this city. “This mural was critical to the tour because it was the first test of how fast we could finish a wall in one city and move on to the next city and get started” Wyland recalled, “;It was a real challenge, but we met it and were on our way. The reaction of the people of Portsmouth really helped
to rejuvenate us.

“Portsmouth Mayor Eileen Foley presented Wyland with the key to the city, and the Shoals Marine Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire started a fund-raising scholarship program in the artist’s name. “I was especially proud of the fund-raiser,” Wyland said. “The money was used to start a lectureship about marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine. It was a great way for art and science to come together in support of conservation in Maine.”The mural, painted on two walls of the Cabot House furniture store facing the Vaughn Mall parking lot, depicted three humpback whales that frequent the local waters, as well as a family of dolphins and a school of tuna. I must have talked to everyone in this town, especially the children,”Wyland said. “And, if I didn’t, I hoped the Whaling Wall would.”

Did you know?

· In the early 1990s, the U.S. passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act, significantly aiding in the recovery of endangered marine species like humpback whales.

Whaling wall 37

Cabot House, 64 Vaughn Mall, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
220 Feet Long x 40 Feet High
Dedicated June 14, 1993
By Mayor Eileen Foley

OUR news

Latest from Blog

Check out our latest and newest blogs for detailed articles on Wyland’s achievements, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and giveaways. Shop Wyland, and all proceeds from your purchases directly support our efforts to bring people together for clean water and healthy oceans.