A new mural has been unveiled in Jersey to mark the 80th anniversary of the island’s liberation – with the event attended by two islanders who appear in the wartime photograph that inspired the artwork.

The mural – which was created by located artist Ben Robertson, also known as BORKA – is located on the wall opposite Lockes coffee shop on Pitt Street in St Helier.

Pictured: David King and David Le Plongeon, who are pictured in the mural, which was unveiled yesterday on Pitt Street. (David Ferguson)

The artwork was inspired by a black and white wartime photograph of Jersey children exploring a German anti-aircraft gun after Liberation in 1945.

Ben worked on the piece in the week leading up to Liberation Day, and it was unveiled by the Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq yesterday.

The event was attended by David King and David Le Plongeon – two of the individuals featured in the original photograph.

Pictured: The Pitt Street mural was painted by artist Ben Robertson. (David Ferguson)

Local artist Ben explained that he was inspired to create the mural after coming across the original photograph in a book.

“I came across the image last year in a local book called ‘Force 135’ and just thought, this thing needs to be seen,” he said.

“I’ve been down on the street for a week and hearing all sorts of personal stories of their parents, grandparents and even their own during that time.

“I’ve been looking at the photograph for a whole week, I started to see things I didn’t notice before.”

The mural was created in collaboration with Jersey War Tunnels.

Damian Warman, General Manager at the War Tunnels, described the new artwork as a “meaningful and lasting tribute to the island’s past”.

“The mural not only commemorates a moment of liberation but also connects generations through art, memory and place,” he said.

“At Jersey War Tunnels, we believe deeply in preserving these stories, not as distant echoes of the past, but as living lessons that continue to inspire and unite our community.

“It’s an honour to play a part in ensuring this important legacy endures.”

Pictured: The Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq, David King, David Le Plongeon, artist Ben Robertson, and War Tunnels owner Lance Trevellyan in front of the mural.

He expained: “If you look closely, you may be able to pick out the ‘V’ painted into the background of the image.

“The letter ‘V’ was used as a symbol of Allied victory and was adopted as a symbol of hope.

“Inspired by BBC broadcasts, islanders began painting or scratching the letter ‘V’ on roads, walls and signs.”