Painted in 1984 by Robert Wyland, Grey Whale Family was his first international mural and one of more than 100 in his global series. Widely embraced by the community, the “Whaling Wall” became a cherished landmark and an enduring symbol of White Rock’s cultural identity.
Over time, the mural has changed due to environmental conditions. In 2014, after signage was placed over top of the mural, it was restored by local artist Elizabeth Hollick.
The building’s new owner is committed to preserving the mural and has engaged local artist Allan Turton to restore the wall. Following an extensive study, the artist’s proposal received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation.
While this project is on a privately owned wall, the artist and building owner invite community engagement before work begins honoring the mural’s role as a defining landmark in White Rock.
Share your feedback
The public are invited to share their feedback on the proposed mural restoration.
Add your comments below by July 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Artist’s proposal
Local artist Allan Turton has received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation on the below proposed mural preservation.
View the artwork in person at the White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue, White Rock.
The Grey Whale Family, 1986
“The Whaling Wall”
Painted in 1984 by Robert Wyland, Grey Whale Family was his first international mural and one of more than 100 in his global series. Widely embraced by the community, the “Whaling Wall” became a cherished landmark and an enduring symbol of White Rock’s cultural identity.
Over time, the mural has changed due to environmental conditions. In 2014, after signage was placed over top of the mural, it was restored by local artist Elizabeth Hollick.
The building’s new owner is committed to preserving the mural and has engaged local artist Allan Turton to restore the wall. Following an extensive study, the artist’s proposal received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation.
While this project is on a privately owned wall, the artist and building owner invite community engagement before work begins honoring the mural’s role as a defining landmark in White Rock.
Share your feedback
The public are invited to share their feedback on the proposed mural restoration.
Add your comments below by July 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Artist’s proposal
Local artist Allan Turton has received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation on the below proposed mural preservation.
View the artwork in person at the White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue, White Rock.
While this project is on a privately owned wall, the artist and building owner invite community engagement before work begins honoring the mural’s role as a defining landmark in White Rock.
Share your comments with the artist by July 6, at 4:30pm
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Thank you for providing your feedback.
I have been a big fan of Wayland since visiting Hawaii many years ago and visiting a gallery featuring his work. The proposed restoration is much more realistic and will be an asset to downtown White Rock.
Martha McArthur
About 1 month ago
I love this idea, I iconic wall and updating it would bring it back to life. Such a beautiful piece of artwork for all to enjoy
AshLey
About 1 month ago
We have lost so much in White Rock. Please retain this original, beautiful “Whaling Wall.”
Helen
About 1 month ago
Iconic White Rock and considering how many deaths of these gracious creatures have passed away on West Coast shores this year, it should definitely remain!
ChessM
About 1 month ago
As an artist myself and lover of large scale murals. I fully support the restoration of this beautiful painting!!
David Dyer
About 1 month ago
Please no if it means changing it. White rock has changed too much already. It has become such an overly developed, dense and crime ridden place. Keep the spirit of what this place used to be. I miss the old white rock.
dninj
About 1 month ago
Yes, I support the restoration and preservation of this mural as an important and historic landmark in our community. Thanks.
Peter Harris
About 1 month ago
Yes, I’d like to see it restored.
briantieszen
About 1 month ago
I think this is a great idea. Allen is a very talented artist and has backing from Wyland himself. ☺️
lenatic
About 1 month ago
I would greatly approve of and appreciate preserving and restoring the Whaling Wall. Its become an iconic landmark to White Rock. I hope council will go ahead of this project. Harry U.
harryunruh
About 1 month ago
I can’t to watch the painting come alive again! Beautiful
soozt1350
About 1 month ago
Since the Wyland foundation has approved of the artist I fully support the restoration of the wall. Thank you to the owners of the building who recognize this mural is important to White Rock. And I hope council will go ahead of this project. Wyland is one of my favorite artists!
Barb Bertrand
Barbb
About 1 month ago
I like the artwork but it would be nice to recognize Elizabeth Hollick's past contribution as well.
Islandace
About 1 month ago
Yes for the restore. This has been a part of mine and many others lives for decades.
Jay Johnston
About 1 month ago
The proposal is great it keeps with the spirit of Wylands original work. Obviously these murals won’t last forever and need touching up. Big props to the building owner for taking this seriously. The Wyland mural in Dallas got painted over for FIFA, truly a shame.
ItMatta
About 1 month ago
I would hope, that given the fact that the Wyland Foundation and Wyland himself approved of this restoration, the Cimmunity would honour that and endorse this project. It would be a shame to see it become so damaged that it couldn’t be saved. Pat
Pat Anne Or
About 1 month ago
it was a gift to meet Wyland when he painted the wall. A joy to see his work everyday.
dt
About 1 month ago
White Rock had changed so much over the years, its nice to have a constant. I agree a refresh but keep it in its original state.
Harvem
About 1 month ago
We should preserve whiterock iconic wall. Add one more baby whale since family is growing. 😉
Ken Shahid
About 1 month ago
Full support 100% it always beautiful to look at, walking by or driving in. We need more murals too!
I have been a big fan of Wayland since visiting Hawaii many years ago and visiting a gallery featuring his work. The proposed restoration is much more realistic and will be an asset to downtown White Rock.
I love this idea, I iconic wall and updating it would bring it back to life. Such a beautiful piece of artwork for all to enjoy
We have lost so much in White Rock. Please retain this original, beautiful “Whaling Wall.”
Iconic White Rock and considering how many deaths of these gracious creatures have passed away on West Coast shores this year, it should definitely remain!
As an artist myself and lover of large scale murals. I fully support the restoration of this beautiful painting!!
Please no if it means changing it. White rock has changed too much already. It has become such an overly developed, dense and crime ridden place. Keep the spirit of what this place used to be. I miss the old white rock.
Yes, I support the restoration and preservation of this mural as an important and historic landmark in our community. Thanks.
Yes, I’d like to see it restored.
I think this is a great idea. Allen is a very talented artist and has backing from Wyland himself. ☺️
I would greatly approve of and appreciate preserving and restoring the Whaling Wall. Its become an iconic landmark to White Rock. I hope council will go ahead of this project.
Harry U.
I can’t to watch the painting come alive again! Beautiful
Since the Wyland foundation has approved of the artist I fully support the restoration of the wall. Thank you to the owners of the building who recognize this mural is important to White Rock. And I hope council will go ahead of this project. Wyland is one of my favorite artists!
Barb Bertrand
I like the artwork but it would be nice to recognize Elizabeth Hollick's past contribution as well.
Yes for the restore. This has been a part of mine and many others lives for decades.
The proposal is great it keeps with the spirit of Wylands original work. Obviously these murals won’t last forever and need touching up. Big props to the building owner for taking this seriously. The Wyland mural in Dallas got painted over for FIFA, truly a shame.
I would hope, that given the fact that the Wyland Foundation and Wyland himself approved of this restoration, the Cimmunity would honour that and endorse this project.
It would be a shame to see it become so damaged that it couldn’t be saved.
Pat
it was a gift to meet Wyland when he painted the wall. A joy to see his work everyday.
White Rock had changed so much over the years, its nice to have a constant.
I agree a refresh but keep it in its original state.
We should preserve whiterock iconic wall. Add one more baby whale since family is growing. 😉
Full support 100% it always beautiful to look at, walking by or driving in.
We need more murals too!