Painting History by Kyrane Lia

This Street Art project by Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry for Culture, aims to highlight key moments in Gibraltar’s history whilst promoting elements of our identity and culture. Kyrane Lia, a Gibraltarian artist and educator, has taken on this project, inspired by her homeland’s history and identity. Combining her passion for art and education, she has created striking murals on Main Street’s bollards. Through her work, she aims to share Gibraltar’s unique heritage with local and visitors alike. 

Closed Frontier

The closure of the frontier from June 8, 1969, to December 15, 1982, had a significant impact on the people of Gibraltar, affecting their families and friends as well on the Spanish side. Many families were divided, with some members residing in Gibraltar and others in La Línea. All communication methods were severed, including telephone lines between Gibraltar and La Línea. The attached image illustrates the wide gap between the two areas, yet it also highlights the resilience of people who found ways to stay in touch and communicate.

This painting depicts a scene where family members gathered at the frontier to communicate. It features then-infant Zane Ryan being held by his grandfather over the frontier fence to show him to relatives on the other side of the border.

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Referendum Car

The 1967 referendum in Gibraltar was a significant milestone in the territory’s political and constitutional development. On September 10, 1967, the British people of Gibraltar made a free and decisive choice to maintain their ties with the United Kingdom rather than become part of Spain.

This painting depicts a car owned by A. Avellano, which he and his colleagues from the Fire Department painted in the colours of  red, white and blue, along with a Union Jack flag. The car also displays the results of the 1967 referendum

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Hackney Carriages

Life in Gibraltar during the 1960s featured Hackney carriages as taxis. One such carriage was owned by a local Gibraltarian known as “Besure,” who worked both as a dustman and a carriage driver. His nickname, “Besure,” came from his habit of reminding visitors to “be sure” they had coins instead of notes, as the carriage fare was a shilling.

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Queens Visit

In May 1954, Queen Elizabeth II visited Gibraltar, an event that holds a special place in local history. Her visit was marked by large-scale celebrations, with the people of Gibraltar welcoming her with open arms “from every home a flag, from every street and lane a cheer”. This painting captures the moment when the Keys of Gibraltar were presented to Queen Elizabeth II.

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John Lennon

Beatles singer, John Lennon, and his partner, Yoko Ono, chose Gibraltar for their wedding because it was ‘…quiet, British, and friendly.’ They wanted an intimate ceremony without unnecessary opulence. This image captures their wedding day on March 16, 1969, with the couple standing in front of the majestic Rock, holding their marriage certificate. It is reported the hastily arranged ceremony caused quite a stir and even proved inspiration for a song  to be written about it by The Beatles – The Ballad of John & Yoko

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Mrs Wink

A beloved image of local Gibraltarian, Victoria Wink, (also known as ‘Mrs Wink’) during the 1967 referendum 10th September. During this period, Gibraltar showed its pride in remaining British and decorated the streets in red, white, and blue. Many Gibraltarians took to the streets as well showing their patriotism and nationalism fashioning themselves with these colours. Mrs Wink was well known for showing off her national pride, not just on this occasion but in many. She created her own Union Jack Flag dress and wore it proudly. 

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Montagu Bathing Pavilion

Known as ‘El Montekiu’, the Montagu Bathing Pavilion opened to the public in May 1930, taking its name from the nearby Montagu Bastion. It holds a special place in the hearts of local Gibraltarians, who spent many summers bathing in its waters. In 1987, reclamation works began for what is now the Montagu Gardens residential estate. All that remains today is the pavilion’s original facade, serving as a reminder of the enjoyable summers once spent by the locals. In 2024, an outline planning application was submitted to redevelop the Montagu Pavilion site, proposing the construction of 42 new apartments behind the preserved original façade. The proposal has sparked significant opposition, leading to a public petition as many residents voice concerns over the development.

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Mrs Smith & Mrs Summerfield

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Summerfield are both considered ‘national treasures’ of Gibraltar. They represented a generation of notable Gibraltarians the ‘stand up and be counted’ women determined  to resist the harassment of Gibraltar by Franco’s dictatorship. In the mid-1960s, Angela Smith took decisive action by calling a meeting for all the housewives of Gibraltar. Mariola Summerfield was one of the first to respond to this call. Kyrane contacted Angela Smith, who explained that the meeting initially focused on the soaring food prices in Gibraltar following the closure of the frontier. Smith’s efforts eventually led to food supplies  being brought into Gibraltar from Morocco, marking the beginning of a significant journey for both women. Together, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Summerfield later presented a petition to the Queen in London on behalf of the women of Gibraltar,  seeking assurances for the “perpetual retention of British sovereignty over the Rock and its people in Gibraltar.” These two pioneers  played a vital role in empowering the women of Gibraltar, bringing housewives out of their homes and into the workforce, giving them a collective voice.

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Princess Diana 

Charles and Diana’s wedding was a global spectacle, watched by millions and celebrated throughout the Commonwealth. The couple began their honeymoon on August 1st, 1981, departing from Gibraltar aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Despite the brief visit, Princess Diana, with her signature charm and warmth, captivated the people of Gibraltar. She was photographed smiling and waving to the crowds that had gathered to offer their well-wishes.  Though short, the visit showcased Diana’s remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, even in fleeting moments before setting off on a personal journey.

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Locals Dressed Patriotically

The 1967 Gibraltar Referendum was a defining moment in shaping the Gibraltarian identity we proudly embrace today. During this period, many residents dressed in the colors of the Union Jack, with some even crafting outfits from the flag itself, to symbolise their commitment to the British sovereignty. An iconic image from this time features local figures Audrey Lopez, Vivian Santos, Lizette Sene (née Lopez), Michael Lopez and Belinda Wright (née Lopez), capturing the spirit of unity and pride that defined this historic moment.

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Winston Churchill 

Winston Churchill visited Gibraltar on multiple occasions. Between August 2nd and 24th, 1942, during World War II, he traveled to Gibraltar as part of his extensive wartime journeys. In July 1960, while on a Mediterranean cruise with his friend Aristotle Onassis, Churchill made another stop in Gibraltar to see the famous Barbary macaques, commonly referred to as the apes.

As Prime Minister, Churchill recognised Gibraltar’s vital role as a naval stronghold and gateway to the Mediterranean. His engagement with Gibraltar during World War II was significant, underscoring both its strategic and symbolic importance. On September 2, 1944, in the midst of global conflict, Churchill issued a directive to increase the population of Barbary macaques in Gibraltar. This action facilitated their replenishment from North Africa, reinforcing the legend that British rule over Gibraltar would endure as long as the macaques remained on the Rock.

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Sir Joshua Hassan and Peter Isola

On September 19, 1963, Chief Minister Sir Joshua Hassan and Opposition Leader Peter Isola made history by addressing the United Nations. It was the first time any elected representatives of the people of Gibraltar presented their case before this international body. They made history when they addressed the Committee of 24 in September 1963, marking Gibraltar and the Gibraltarians’ first assertion of their voice on the international stage.

This painting depicts Hassan and Isola’s triumphant return to Gibraltar, waving to the public as they toured the city.

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We Shall Never Surrender

A renowned moment in Gibraltar’s history, the Gibraltar sovereignty referendum took place on September 10, 1967. In this vote, Gibraltarians were asked to choose between two options: transferring to Spanish sovereignty while retaining British citizenship and a special status for Gibraltar within Spain, or remaining under British sovereignty with self-governing institutions.

A now iconic image from this time that captures the people of Gibraltar expressing their desire to remain British. They hold various barriers and signs proudly declaring their choice for British sovereignty. One prominent sign echoes the words from Churchill’s famous World War II speech: “We shall never surrender.” An image that symbolises The steadfast commitment of Gibraltarians to their identity and British ties.

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