Supported by Voices Gloucester, Murmur is producing two bold, exciting, external murals that celebrates former Gloucester Mayor Ralph Fletcher (1780 -1851) . 

Ralph’s story is incredible, but has not been celebrated before. Ralph is thought to be a father of the animal rights movement and wrote the first papers on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He lived on Eastgate Street some 200 years ago and left money in his Will to feed stay cats.  He also gave a Shilling to coachmen who had well looked after horses – hoping it would encourage better treatment. 

Donated images of much loved pets from Gloucester’s residents will be incorporated into one of the murals as a “thank you to Ralph”.

UPDATES

• Painting has begun on the first mural. Follow Facebook and Instagram for Murmur’s diary of the making of the work.
• We have identified not one but TWO Gloucester city sites (with maybe a few cats in between). The first site to be painted is on the land once owned by Ralph. The second site is a short walk away, left at The Cross. Landlords are delighted…and the City Council are aware.
• Both designs have been agreed – it will not be shared publicly prior to painting.
• Murmur has visited the archive and laid hands on Ralph’s Will and other papers showing that Ralph was the mayor of Gloucester twice and was a well known doctor at the Gloucester Infirmary. A full biography will be prepared and shared with the county archive.
• Murmur continues to get some awesome support from the Ask Gloucestershire team; the Heritage Hub; and Voices Gloucester.

Thank you for your support with this exciting project. If you have any questions, please get in touch info@murmurwallart.com