G. VICK ORILLIA FLOUR MILL MURAL

 

Location: Orillia, Ontario
Client: Insurance agency
Project Duration: 4 days
Team Size: 2 artists
Techniques Used: Projection mapping, hand-painted brushwork

Project Overview

The G. Vick Orillia Flour Mill mural was a heritage piece dedicated to commemorating Orillia’s first settlers. The original mural was tragically destroyed in a car accident, prompting an insurance agency to contact us for a full restoration. Our task was to recreate the piece from scratch, ensuring that it remained true to the original historical artwork.

Design & Execution

Although the original mural was completely lost, we were able to source reference materials to guide our recreation. To simplify the process, we first created a black-and-white cartoon version of the mural, which was projected onto the wall for accurate placement of details. This method ensured that every architectural and historical element was aligned correctly before we began painting.

Challenges & Solutions

  • Lost Reference Material: With only partial references available, we relied on town archives and local input to fill in the missing details.
  • Working Remotely: Since the mural site was in Orillia, our two-person team stayed in town to maximize working hours, eliminating long commutes back to Toronto.
  • Historical Accuracy: Many townspeople stopped by to share stories about the original mural and the people depicted in it, providing valuable insight and a personal connection to the artwork.

Final Result

The mural was painted with fine brushwork, ensuring a high level of detail, particularly in the textures of the water, sky, and wooden structures. As the mural came to life, the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Residents expressed their appreciation for the restoration, highlighting how it preserved a vital piece of local history.

Conclusion

This project was more than just a restoration—it was a tribute to the heritage of Orillia and its people. The process of bringing back the mural connected us with the town’s history, and we were honored to play a part in preserving its legacy. The project was completed successfully within four days, leaving behind a piece of history that will continue to be cherished by the community for years to come.