North West Regional College (NWRC) has showcased both the spirit and innovation of Derry this week with the unveiling of the marvellous artwork of Amelia Earhart.

In what is thought to be Northern Ireland’s tallest mural, a detailed artwork of aviation legend Amelia Earhart can be found on the side of the North West Regional College’s Foyle building. Featuring as part of the Foyle Maritime Festival programme, the piece is a creation of North Carolina street artist Jeks, one of a number of artists in Derry for the Get Up Street Art Festival.

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s head of culture Aeidin McCarter said how it was one of a number of “striking pieces” created during the festival, with the Foyle Maritime Festival certainly illustrating much of the talent and innovation that Derry has to offer.

Pictured at the mural are: Amelia Earhart Legacy Association committee members Caroline McGowan, Elaine Duffy and Eilish Quigley, Donal O'Doherty, Peaball Collective, Catherine O'Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC, Conor McGurgan, Marketing and PR manager NWRC, Erin Hutcheon, Senior Marketing and PR Officer NWRC, Gillian Moss, Head of Client Services at NWRC, NWRC, and Amelia Earhart Legacy Association committee members Maureen McGhee, Nicole McElhinney,  and Sinead Hawkins
Pictured at the Artwork are: Amelia Earhart Legacy Association committee members Caroline McGowan, Elaine Duffy and Eilish Quigley, Donal O’Doherty, Peaball Collective, Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC, Conor McGurgan, Marketing and PR manager NWRC, Erin Hutcheon, Senior Marketing and PR Officer NWRC, Gillian Moss, Head of Client Services at NWRC, NWRC, and Amelia Earhart Legacy Association committee members Maureen McGhee, Nicole McElhinney,  and Sinead Hawkins

In May 1932, Amelia Earhart attempted to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, and Derry has celebrated its place in this history of aviation and women trailblazers. Hoping to land in Paris, bad weather and technical problems altered her course, and Ms Earheart instead landed in a field on the outskirts of Derry.

Almost a century on, Derry is still celebrating its part in this momentous history, and has done so on multiple occasions in the past as well, with a number of homages to the famous aviator in the city.

This is testament to the rich history and progressive spirit of Derry, where equality is celebrated.

The artwork also serves to demonstrate the appeal of Derry as an exciting and attractive tourist destination given its deep-rooted history and culture, and Derry Chamber are delighted to see this being highlighted at NWRC’s campus.

Dr. Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC said:

“This spectacular image which now adorns the wall of our Foyle Building displays a powerful message. Amelia Earhart was a woman gifted not only with genius but also qualities such as determination, bravery and self-belief, virtues that we at NWRC strive to instil in all our students.

Amelia Earhart Artwork in Derry by Lorcan Doherty
Photo Lorcan Doherty