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’m very happy that the mural is being restored. I’d noticed that it needed refreshing. Thanks to all who are doing this important work!
KMyland
About 1 month ago
I would appreciate that the Whale Wall, as a defining White Rock landmark, be preserved and restored as close to the original as possible. It is an iconic piece of White Rock history and would like to see it restored and as unchanged as is possible for this project. It would be a shame to see it changed in style, etc. as it is such a special part of our seaside town.
mindfullymiranda
About 1 month ago
Yes! Fully support.
MAdeFreitas
About 1 month ago
In my opinion the mural should be restored and saved. It is still a symbol of our seaside town.
DB5910
About 1 month ago
I strongly support the restoration of the Grey Whale Family mural. As one of White Rock's most recognizable public artworks, it has been an important feature of our uptown area for decades. Restoring this iconic mural will preserve a valued part of our community's identity and cultural heritage for residents and visitors alike.
megan
About 1 month ago
I want to acknowledge that Allan Turton is clearly a talented artist. My concern is that the examples I have seen of his work appear more illustrative/animated, while the 1984 White Rock mural is realistic in style.
Restoration is not the same as creating new artwork. It requires matching the original artist’s realism, colours, technique, and overall character.
Before moving forward, I would feel more comfortable seeing examples of his previous realistic mural restoration work, or considering someone with specific restoration experience. This mural is part of White Rock’s history and should be preserved as close to the original as possible
Denise Wootton
About 1 month ago
Just as we rally to save the whales, I think it’s important to restore and save the whaling wall. It’s a topic of conversation for those visiting our community, emphasizing the fact that we have live whales that play in our bay area. Not to mention it’s a fabulous entrance for our WR Farmers Market❣️
Heather Crawford
About 1 month ago
I absolutely support local artist Allan Turton who has received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation for the proposed mural preservation . This is an iconic piece of aft and a community treasure!.
WhiteRock rocks!
About 1 month ago
Yes restore the mural it would be a shame to let it deteriorate
sidanielsen
About 1 month ago
This wall is always our favourite and brings great memories. We’d love it to stay so preserving it seems like the right choice :)
Sumb
About 1 month ago
I fully support the restoration of the Whaling Wall, hopefully by the artist Alan Turton.
I’m very happy that the mural is being restored. I’d noticed that it needed refreshing. Thanks to all who are doing this important work!
I would appreciate that the Whale Wall, as a defining White Rock landmark, be preserved and restored as close to the original as possible. It is an iconic piece of White Rock history and would like to see it restored and as unchanged as is possible for this project. It would be a shame to see it changed in style, etc. as it is such a special part of our seaside town.
Yes! Fully support.
In my opinion the mural should be restored and saved. It is still a symbol of our seaside town.
I strongly support the restoration of the Grey Whale Family mural. As one of White Rock's most recognizable public artworks, it has been an important feature of our uptown area for decades. Restoring this iconic mural will preserve a valued part of our community's identity and cultural heritage for residents and visitors alike.
I want to acknowledge that Allan Turton is clearly a talented artist. My concern is that the examples I have seen of his work appear more illustrative/animated, while the 1984 White Rock mural is realistic in style.
Restoration is not the same as creating new artwork. It requires matching the original artist’s realism, colours, technique, and overall character.
Before moving forward, I would feel more comfortable seeing examples of his previous realistic mural restoration work, or considering someone with specific restoration experience. This mural is part of White Rock’s history and should be preserved as close to the original as possible
Just as we rally to save the whales, I think it’s important to restore and save the whaling wall. It’s a topic of conversation for those visiting our community, emphasizing the fact that we have live whales that play in our bay area. Not to mention it’s a fabulous entrance for our WR Farmers Market❣️
I absolutely support local artist Allan Turton who has received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation for the proposed mural preservation . This is an iconic piece of aft and a community treasure!.
Yes restore the mural it would be a shame to let it deteriorate
This wall is always our favourite and brings great memories. We’d love it to stay so preserving it seems like the right choice :)
I fully support the restoration of the Whaling Wall, hopefully by the artist Alan Turton.