We are proud to announce that our paintings conservators have started working on site at Morley College’s Emma Cons Hall to preserve the college’s iconic Martin Froy “Sun Up” and “Sun Down” Murals. Painted in situ inside the historic Emma Cons Hall which is the main performance space for the college, each mural measures 17 x 3 metres depicting vibrant abstract landscapes to represent the sun rising and setting on generations of Morley students.
Plowden & Smith share Morley College’s commitment to public access to the arts and education. Through this project, we hope to contribute to Morley College’s ongoing celebration of art, learning, and community.
Emily Harris, our Conservation Manager said when work started on the project:
“We are delighted to be working with Morley College to conserve Martin Froy’s Sun Up and Sun Down murals, helping ensure these vibrant works remain part of the College’s creative community and continue to inspire students and visitors for generations to come. These murals hold significant historic and artistic value, and are intrinsically connected to their architectural context. We’re proud to support their long-term preservation in situ within the Emma Cons Hall, where they can be appreciated as the artist intended.”
Left, Plowden and Smith Paintings Conservator Federica starts surface cleaning on Sun Up. Right, The conservation team Michael, Federica and Phoenix. Images courtesy of Morley College
Martin Froy (1926 – 2017)
Martin Froy was a leading figure in British art, known for his bold use of colour and abstract forms. Froy was instrumental in arts education holding positions at Bath Academy of Art, Slade School of Art and became Head of Painting at Chelsea. He was Trustee to the National Gallery(1972–79) and the Tate Gallery (1975–9). Known principally as a painter Froy also produced a notable mosaic mural for the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, “Four Seasons” fills the long walls of both foyer levels in the theatre.
His murals in Emma Cons Hall at Morley College reflect the optimism and innovation of post-war Britain, making them an invaluable part of the nation’s cultural history. Sun Up and Sun Down were painted in 1958 for the rebuilt college, following extensive wartime damage.
“The Martin Froy murals are an extraordinary part of Morley’s history. The centrepiece of the Emma Cons Hall, they have been enjoyed by generations of adult learners. The concept was Sun Up and Sun Down – the sun rising and setting on generations of Morley students. What’s powerful about these murals is their use of colour and texture in a mid-twentieth century fashion. They really speak to that era when Morley was being reconstructed post war and the hope that came with rebuilding this space for the community. ” – Dr Jack Davy, Manager of Morley’s Permanent Art Collection