"Plat 28" Mural

This mural, named “Plat 28” was designed and painted by Greg Was Here. It pays homage to the rich legacy of Blount Fine Foods and the seafood industry’s history in Warren, RI, of which Blount has a long and storied presence. Rich with hidden meaning, this collage-style mural commands attention with its jewel-toned palette and bold juxtaposition of imagery.

“Plat 28” was brought to life by Blount Fine Foods and The Avenue Concept (TAC) through TAC’s strategic business partnership work. The Town of Warren, Tiny Bar, Westwey Club, 95Lofts, Paolino Properties and the Point225 innovation center in Providence, RI are past and ongoing clients within TAC’s portfolio. Through this program, the organization curates, installs and manages public art projects, including murals and sculptures, in commercial spaces on behalf of clients. TAC handles all aspects of the job to the standards of professional commercial builders/architects/designers and business owners and is a concept to completion partner.

The white line layout corresponds to the 1949 Sanborn Plot Map of the main Blount Building behind you; 383 Water Street. The 28 on the right-hand side is a nod to the plot number on the map. In 1946F. Nelson Blount formed the Blount Seafood Corporation and in 1950 transferred title out of his name into that of the corporation. The operation makes its first appearance in the Sanborn Insurance map collection. The additions to the south undertaken by Narragansett Oyster Company is evident and will prove to be just the beginning of further expansion over time.

The oldest reference in the mural which is the original oyster house which was Blount & Hunt’s headquarters on the Warren waterfront in the early 20th century (located at the current site of Blount Boats). The boat docked next to the oyster house was named “The Priscilla”. The boat collected Oysters and later Clams from tongers in the bay.

“Clams for Chowder” which bands the farthest right section of the mural is from a print block for Point Judith, one of Blount’s brands, canned clam meat labels packaged by Blount Seafood. The two masted schooner sailboat in the lower left portion of the mural is from the “Whitecap”brand label. This was Blount’s logo from the 1940’s through the 1990’s. The Warren text, seen on the front water-facing side of the building, is the same font used on the original Whitecap Oyster labels

The Seaplane was one of many of Blount’s founder, F. Nelson Blount, seen below with Joe Britto and Red Demerus. Nelson was an charismatic pioneer and sportsman who set off on adventures local and far away; including many stories of flying under the Mt. Hope Bridge!