- The Simon’s Town Art Group (STAG) painted a vibrant Kraken-themed mural at the Assegaai Submarine Museum, measuring over 40m².
- The artwork, supported by volunteers and donors, reflects the dangers of the open ocean and adds a creative touch to the historic site.
- The museum is set for a soft opening in December, offering visitors a glimpse into its unique exhibits and history.
The Assegaai Submarine Museum, which is expected to have a “slow-opening” this month, received a splash of colour thanks to the Simon’s Town Art Group (STAG).
STAG chair Marelise van Wyk says they are always on the lookout for public spaces where art could make a positive impact on the community. “This is our largest mural to date measuring over 40 square metres and we thought it an appropriate space,” she said.
The navy museum project in Simon’s Town is headed by retired Rear Admiral Digby Thomson, a previous commander of the Assegai submarine, who thought a colourful mural was needed.
“The design chosen by the team depicts a Kraken (a mythical giant octopus) engaging with a submarine,” says van Wyk.
She shared how the design idea came about: “This design idea was to give feeling to the perils of the open ocean that submariners face and the artwork was done by Tony Wintour who kindly headed up the mural project.”
While the Simon’s Town Civic Association generously contributed to the art materials, it took STAG members three weeks to paint the mural on a pro bono basis. “The Museum is scheduled to open to the public in mid-December but if you can get your head through the gate you might get a sneak peek of the mural,” said Van Wyk.
In 2005, the Naval Board approved the retention of the Assegaai, as the Navy’s first museum vessel (“History in the making,” People’s Post, 15 October).
The conditions included that it be done at no direct cost to the SA National Defence Force and carried out by volunteers who would raise funds to place it ashore.
The vessel, which was moved from the SA Navy headquarters in Simon’s Town to shore next to the False Bay Yacht Club and National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 10 in August, has undergone many weeks of improvements.
