• Faraday transports through time

Faraday transports through time

A new mural gracing the exterior of the Faraday Museum of Technology is transporting the viewer into Napier’s past and providing visual clues to what lies inside.

The history-laden mural and a storyboard detailing the past and present of the nearly 110-year-old building, the former Napier Power Station, were officially unveiled.

The humble horse and cart, 20th-century tram and other colourful images have really captured the attention of passersby, says Manager Sharyn Phillps.

“Many people have been using the mural as a backdrop for photos. It really has brought the Faraday to life,” she says.


Napier City Councillor Tania Wright (left), artist Christie Wright, Unison marketing coordinator Jayden Falcon, Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise and Faraday Facility Manager Sharyn Phillips
in front of the Faraday Museum of Technology’s latest mural. Photo/John Cowpland, Alpha Pix. 

Artist Christie Wright, who also works at the Faraday, has painted the mural, along with several others at the interactive museum.

One of her more recent ones features a traction engine, now based in Havelock North but a regular participant in Napier’s Art Deco Festival. It was once part of the Faraday’s exhibits, and its current driver is a Faraday volunteer.

Local electricity distribution and fibre optic network provider Unison has sponsored three of Faraday’s paintings, including the new mural, and the storyboard. Resene sponsored the paint for the artwork.

The building was initially owned by Hawke’s Bay Electric Power Board (Unison) before being sold to the NZ Defence Force in 1991.

Unison Relationship Manager Danny Gough says Unison has a historic connection with the Faraday and is proud to have supported the project. 

“It is excellent to see how the murals have come together to bring that historical connection to life, celebrate our technology and play tribute to the local heritage of Napier."

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