20mph mural series inspired by community engagement. Holy Cross primary school, Bristol

Commissioned by Greater Bedminster Community Partnership and funded by Bristol’s Better at 20 and Bristol City Council, the brief was to create a permanent public artwork that aims to slow drivers’ speed by raising awareness of the surrounding area. I joined forces with fellow illustrator and studio sharer Zoë Power as we felt the project suited a collaborative approach.

We worked with various school groups, families and local residents - including the Playing Out initiative - to develop ideas for the mural artworks and to understand people’s concerns and thoughts about the 20mph speed limits.

The road corner immediately next to Holy Cross primary school was secured as a relevant location for the five mural boards. Notorious for cars speeding around the corner and the lack of visibility for the school itself, the murals are now a strong visual reminder for passing drivers.

The murals feature playful uses of the 20mph icon, as well as a host of characters - young and older - painted in a limited palette, which references the primary school’s brand colours.

The resulting murals have received overwhelming positive feedback from the school and local residents and were installed in Spring 2017.

Mural photos: Zoe Mack