New lick of paint for Calpe

THE OLD town of Calpe is undergoing a facelift as the murals dotted around the old quarter revitalised.

The department of culture has begun a campaign to rehabilitate the different street paintings that feature on various façades of buildings.

The project has already commenced with the repainting of the mural located in Carrer Mosquit. It was originally completed in 1990 by the painter Elías Úrbez.

Prior to the renovations, two agreements were signed with the owners, as the mural is on the façade of a private property. In addition, Elías Úrbez himself has redesigned the mural to allow for two small windows that have been added since the original was painted.

The project has been awarded to the company Akra. The professors of the faculty of Fine Arts of Altea, David Trujillo, Iván Albalate and José Antonio Hinojos will oversee the project.

Throughout the process, the authorisation and advice of Elías Úrbez and his son, Jordi Úrbez, has been provided. In addition, special sol-silicate paints will be used. These bind into old mortar, and maintain their properties and colour, even in bright sunlight.

The project has had a total budget of €40,000 and will be completed before the end of the year. The involvement of the Úrbez family, and the cooperation of the residents to recover this emblematic mural has been acknowledged by the town hall, as it is one of the most visited and photographed corners of the old town.

The mural recovery campaign in the old town will continue in the coming months with the mural made in 1989 by Pierre Le Fleur, located in Calle Santísimo Cristo and Calle Reverendo Penalva, in front of the Torreó de la Peça.