Wyland's Whaling Wall in need of structural repair; future of mural in question

Photo courtesy of Super Parking & Bikes, Boardwalk & Garfield Avenue

As changes continue to be made at the Boardwalk Mall, the future of a landmark mural is in question.

"Wyland's Whaling Wall," which is officially titled "Humpbacks off the Jersey Coast," has adorned the north and west-facing outer walls of the mall since it was completed by international-renowned environmental artist Wyland in the Summer of 1993.

The massive 220 foot long, 30 foot high work was the 43rd of 100 life-size public marine murals painted by Wyland between 1981 and 2008.

Twenty-five years later, during renovations to the mall after new management/ownership took over, the north wall was determined to be in need of structural repair.

"We had the wall power washed this week to reveal the damage areas, and it will be repaired next week," explained Russ Simmons, Executive Director of the Wildwoods Arts Foundation, which was founded last year as a hub for creative arts in the community.

"If the painting is salvageable, I will be working with the owner to have the Wildwood Arts Foundation restore it."

The pre-existing damage to the wall is significant and will require thorough repair, according to Simmons.

"We have spoken with Wyland and his assistant, and they had no interest in repainting the mural," he noted.

"It may simply be beyond touching up. If so, then it may get painted (over) and the Wildwood Arts Foundation may paint a new mural."

Wyland has not yet responded to our request for comment.