‘Appalling’ Viking mural is blasted by historian
Artwork referring to town’s origins described as ‘inaccurate’ and risking making the area ‘a laughing stock’
AHUGE mural of a Viking adorning a wall in Ormskirk has been branded ‘inaccurate’ and ‘appalling’ by a local historian.
The recently unveiled mural in question, described by the council as ‘an interactive and engaging mosaic artwork’ was created by acclaimed international artist Carrie Reichardt.
Aimed at depicting the Viking figure known as ‘Orme,’ the historical person considered to be the original founding father of Ormskirk, the mural has been added to a wall in Aughton Street and shows the Viking figure chasing a gingerbread man, representing the town’s past gingerbread making industry.
Described by the council as ‘a unique piece to enhance the town’s historic high street,’ the work is one of two new murals in Ormskirk which have been announced by West Lancashire Borough Council.
Work on a second mural depicting an historic clock maker, Thomas Barry, who hailed from Ormskirk and made clocks in the town, is currently underway on the upper half of a wall at the side of DH Nails at the bottom of Burscough Street.
The council says there will be a total of three murals across West Lancashire, with an additional one in Burscough celebrating the abundance of local fauna and natural beauty, as part of the Welcome Back Fund series of initiatives.
However, the Ormskirk murals have come in for criticism from some quarters, with local historian Dot Broady-Hawkes saying the Viking one is ‘inaccurate’ and “bears no resemblance whatsoever to any likeness of a Viking Age man.”
Claiming that the artwork is akin to Victorian conceptions of Vikings instead of historical accuracy, she said the town was at risk of becoming ‘a laughing stock’ to other parts of the country with Viking heritage such as York and undermining the work of contemporary historians.
She said: “There is no way that can represent Ormskirk’s history; the depiction of Orme bears no resemblance whatsoever to any likeness of a
Viking Age man from any extant historical sources.
“It is based entirely on 19th century representations or imagery which were based largely on Victorians with over enthusiastic imagination.
“The figure’s helmet is not based on any Viking age helmets recovered, very few have; the idea that they wore horned helmets is purely a Victorian fantasy invention.
“The depiction of the axe is not based on any Viking age known designs - they were not double weapons with a blade and hammer combined!
“It’s pure fantasy, the shield is nothing like historically accurate and it will make Ormskirk a laughing stock to York folk.
“We can’t perpetuate this type of inaccurate depiction here in Ormskirk when York excel at getting it right.
“It will confuse children and the work of the dedicated Viking experts on the Brunanburh project on the Wirral will be undermined.”
Highlighting how Ormskirk’s ancestral Vikings had hailed from Dublin, fleeing for their lives, she said: “It is ridiculous to think that children will continue to be taught myths and untruths about Orme, whose ancestors landed in West Lancashire from Dublin fleeing for their lives.”
She said local historians should have been consulted.
Calling for ‘a rethink’, she added: “There is nothing about the design that is in any way historically accurate.
It needs a rethink; we go into schools telling them the historical truth and if kids want fantasy they can get on their PlayStations.
“Shame on the council for getting this badly wrong; how hard would it have been to just consult your local historians of which there are so many willing to advise any artist commissioned to promote the history of our town?”
Meanwhile she said the other mural was aimed at depicting 18th century clock maker Thomas Barry who was born and made some clocks in the town, and was “out of context” and “would mystify most people,” adding: “Orme was a wealthy and powerful land owner; he built the Church, he didn’t rage into the town, raping and pillaging and no Viking ever wore horns on their helmet like Asterix the Gaul, nor did a Viking carry an Iron Age axe.
“If York can get it right and educate thousands of school kids, why can’t Ormskirk?
“Ormskirk is not Disneyland.
“They use an eight ft mouse with big ears to make everyone feel like a child again; Ormskirk now has a ten ft Viking to lie about the history of the town.”
Her feelings were echoed by some other residents, with Paula Tutty commenting on Facebook: “It’s absolutely puerile and tells us nothing about the history of Ormskirk.
“I’m sure the real Orme (a common enough name in an area settled by people of mixed ancestry that included Scandinavian settlers) would have been horrified to be represented in this way.”
Similarly, Luke Parker asked on social media: “What part of the budget does this come out of our council tax from?
“Are the costs open for public viewing?”
However, the Viking mural was met with delight from other residents. Tracey O’Hara commented: “Loving the creativity of this town, brightening up our town is just lovely. Well done to all involved,’ while John Brindle commented: “Awesome, love it, some people make me laugh, anything to complain - looking forward to seeing the completed artwork.”
A spokesperson for West Lancashire Borough Council said: “Whilst the artworks acknowledge Ormskirk’s historical links with the legend of Orme the Viking and the town’s long-standing association with gingerbread, as a work of art, some artistic licence has been used to create a dynamic sense of movement and drama while still being fun and interactive.
“Artist Carrie Reichardt has always been interested in documenting history where it happens and exploring how artists can archive local history in fun and creative ways.
“This mosaic has been created in the distinctive style that has made her so renowned as an artist.
“The artworks have been commissioned to attract visitors to different areas of the town centre to help our businesses recover after a very tough time for the high street and we’re really looking forward to seeing families, residents and visitors have their ‘insta’ moment with Orme and his gingerbread man.
“The artworks have been solely funded by the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ - an initiative set up by the government to help high streets recover after the pandemic.”