Gigantic Sherlock Holmes mural unveiled at a Toronto Public Library

TTC partners with City of Toronto TPL and more to unveil Sherlock Holmes artwork installation

TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2023 – Scenes of mystery and intrigue were recently unveiled in huge new mural on the east side of the Toronto Reference Library, with the installation of artwork along Sherlock Holmes Walk.

The mural, themed “It’s a Mood”, depicts the life, writing, and characters of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and was developed in partnership with the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto (StART) program, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) and the Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.

“Public art not only helps to beautify our city, it also provides information and learning opportunities,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “I am pleased to see this new addition to the neighbourhood and encourage people to explore the artwork, as well as the collection that inspired it.”

TPL is home to one of the world’s largest research collections devoted to Arthur Conan Doyle’s life and works, with many items relating to Doyle’s most famous fictional character, Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes Walk is the north-south walkway on the east side of the library, located between Asquith Ave. and Church St.

The mural was installed on hoarding at 830 Church St. beside the Toronto Reference Library that was recently put up due to construction for the TTC’s Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements Project. The site will be home to a future fan building to enhance air circulation at the newly renovated station. 

“The TTC is proud to be a part of this Sherlock Holmes Walk mural project and help to create a public space that all Sherlock Holmes fans can enjoy,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “As we make progress on our Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project, we will continue to look for ways to collaborate with the community.” 

“Public art plays an important role at the TTC – it helps to beautify our stations, and reduce graffiti and vandalism. More importantly, it provides an opportunity for communities to tell their stories through art,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “We’re very happy to be a part of this project, and help to bring the magic and mystery of Sherlock Holmes to the walkway of the Toronto Reference Library.”

A curated group of StART artists provided artwork for the mural, which was curated by Ann-Marie Power. StART is a City of Toronto Transportation Services Division initiative that includes programs designed to showcase, celebrate and support street, mural and graffiti artists and art throughout Toronto.

The TTC’s Bloor-Yonge Station Capacity Improvements project will expand and rehabilitate the existing subway station to improve efficiency and capacity and reduce crowding during rush hours.

More information can be found at www.ttc.ca/blooryonge. 

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