Street Artists Plan Murals for Historic WWII Sea Forts

During WWII, the Maunsell Forts were built off the eastern coast of the United Kingdom as a point of defense for the army and navy. Following their decommission in the 1950s, they were used as a pirate radio broadcasting center among other things, but were later deemed unsafe. With a long-term goal of preserving and restoring a selection of the sea forts, street artist Tristan Eaton has assembled a team of world-famous artists to turn the relics into works of art. The project is called Painted Oceans.

Eaton, Shepard Fairey, How & Nosm, Futura 2000, and The London Police plan to hang from rope and harness in order to paint the giant structures. They'll record the entire experience, producing a full-length documentary and coffee table art book. They've launched a Kickstarter to help fund the ambitious project, and it's well on its way to being funded with 28 days left in the fundraiser. 

Rendering of painted sea fort // Kickstarter

A quote from Eaton on the Kickstarter page reads: 

"These forts are a timeless symbol of resistance. Whether it's fighting the tyranny of the Nazis during WWII or fighting censorship in their Pirate Radio days in the 60's - they've always been on the frontline of defense against oppression. This makes them a perfect icon for the spirit of the street art & graffiti movement and I think it's important to share their story with a new generation."

Check out the video above to learn more about the project.

Banner image via Kickstarter

[h/t: Tristan Eaton]