Chapel of The Good Shepherd | Official Mural Reveal

We are delighted to unveil and celebrate Canterbury’s new mural in our College Chapel of The Good Shepherd, a meaningful addition for our community. This stunning large-scale piece, created by talented local artist Emma Alyce, now graces the rear internal wall of the chapel.

This collaborative project saw Emma working closely with Principal Dan Walker, College Chaplain Father Dan Talbot, and myself, following a design brief I developed, to bring our vision to life. Our goal was to enliven the space, complement the original stained-glass windows, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for reflection and connection.

Emma has created murals for a wide variety of spaces and businesses, establishing herself as a true entrepreneur in her field. For this piece, she blended the rich symbolism of our College, the surrounding landscape, the chapel’s connection to The Good Shepherd, its distinct Anglican identity, and its unique colour palette. After extensive discussions and careful refinements, the final concept was chosen.

In late 2024, Emma began the intricate process of bringing the mural to life. She first projected the final design onto the chapel wall before layering in rich, detailed brushstrokes over the course of a few weeks.

As part of this journey, our Senior School Visual Art students had the unique opportunity to engage with a professional artist at work – an invaluable experience to deepen their artistic appreciation and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit, preparing them as world ready learners.

Now complete, this beautiful mural offers much to appreciate. At its heart, Jesus stands as the Good Shepherd, watching over the lamb – a symbol of His guidance and care for our community. The backdrop showcases the mountain ranges surrounding our College, reflecting our connection to both faith and place. Subtle golden highlights enhance the artwork, adding warmth and a sense of reverence to this sacred space.

This vibrant mural serves as a reminder of the powerful relationship between our sacred spaces, our Anglican traditions, and the creativity and passion that thrive within our community.

We warmly invite you to visit the chapel, admire this extraordinary mural firsthand, and join us in celebrating the creativity, talent and dedication that brought it to life.

Miss Lauren Steer
Head of Faculty – Creative Industries | Teacher – Senior School
Canterbury College