A BID to have a much-loved mural in Newport city centre listed has been formally submitted.

The Twentieth Century Society pressure group says it has asked Cadw to list the Chartist Mural in John Frost Square.

It says it is one of the finest examples of post-war public art in Wales but the council has planned to demolish it and put a replica on a wall of Newport museum and library building.

The 35-metre mural depicts the famous 1839 Chartist uprising in the city and is made from 200,000 pieces of ceramic tile and glass mosaic.

The society says the mosaic is so intricately designed that viewers can see subtle variations in colour, different skin tones and expressions in the faces of the protesters in the mural.

It explains that the surface of the mural is not flat but projects elements like the spears and guns, giving an added layer of detail that gives the mural 3-D qualities.

Twentieth Century Society senior conservation adviser Henrietta Billings said: “It is an outstanding example of post war public art. The quality of design and execution are some of the best we have seen.

“In our view the mural should be listed for its historical associations with Newport, and its superb craftsmanship.

“Listing the mural would help save it from demolition, and if necessary ensure its safe removal to a new location in the city,” she added.

More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition to stop the mural’s destruction .

The mural was constructed in 1979 by Kenneth Budd who produced a wide number of public art commissions across Wales and the West Midlands.

Mr Budd’s son Oliver has been campaigning to preserve the mural alongside a group that includes local mosaic artist Stephanie Roberts.

Ms Roberts called the bid “fantastic news”, adding: “It’s just the kind of break we’ve been after.”

She hopes Newport council will now get behind the move, saying: “It is such an important piece educationally and culturally to everyone.”

A Newport council spokeswoman said: “The council notes the submission made by the Twentieth Century Society to Cadw and awaits its decision with interest.”

Discussions on how mural can be saved and stored

A SPOKESMAN for Cadw has said the agency has been in discussions with Newport council over how the mural could be removed from its present location and stored safely until an alternative location is found.

“We recognise the significance of the mural and the priority is to secure its future. As such a decision on listing the mural will be deferred until these discussions have concluded,” he said.