Amber Taverns have said they will be bringing a new mural to Bedford’s High Street after they started painting the front of the former Brewhouse and Kitchen pub.
Yesterday, painters were spotted painting over the mural of Ninkasi, the ancient Sumerian Goddess of beer, which has overlooked Bedford High Street since the summer of 2019.
Amber Taverns has said they had no choice but to paint over the colourful image, which has become an icon of Bedford, as the building where it was is not watertight.
But, Gary Roberts, operations director at Amber Taverns has said that once this work is complete there will be more colour coming to the front of the pub.
“A new mural will be secured when a concept to reflect the ‘heart of Bedford’ has been completed,” said Gary. “We have commissioned quite a few murals in other towns which enrich the social fabric of the community.”
Amber Taverns are now inviting local artists and anyone else who might have an idea of what they should do to get in touch with feedback and ideas.
“We would welcome feedback from all stakeholders and local artists to direct the scope of imaging to be used. The final decision will be deciding which artist is chosen to undertake the works.
“Any local bodies that want input should contact pubs@ambertaverns.co.uk.”
The huge mural of Ninkasi, the ancient Sumerian Goddess of beer, was painted by Technicolour Moon, an artist who specialises in large-scale mural work and illustrations.
Read: Sumerian goddess of beer to bless Bedford High Street
Ninkasi was chosen as Sumerian Priestesses from Mesopotamia believed the Goddess Ninkasi was responsible for making the beer fresh every day from the best ingredients.
Only women brewed beer and the priestesses of Ninkasi believed they were merely the goddesses’ supervisors.
Yesterday, the SimplyBedford Instagram account reflected the views of many Bedfordians in the sadness of seeing Ninkasi being painted over.
In a caption on the account, Wasem Sebi, the founder of Simply Creative, whose office is next door to the pub said: “I have high hopes that Amber Taverns, who have taken over the building, will get something similar painted as opposed to leaving the wall plain and stripped of creativity.
“We will miss the painting for sure.”
