Renowned Bristol artist creates new mural in medieval entrance to Old City

Symbols from Bristol’s rich history have been interwoven into a stunning new mural in the medieval archway leading to the Old City.

Andy Council has turned his distinctive style to create the colourful piece in the pedestrian archway under the Church of St John on the Wall between Broad Street and Quay Street.

Speaking to Bristol24/7, the renowned artist said he did a lot of research into the history of the city for the project, which is something he has been keen to do for some time.

The finished mural depicts four beasts made up of architectural landmarks found in the historic area, as well as some of the architectural features found inside St John’s crypt and is part of a wider programme of artist commissions connected to the pedestrianisation of the Old City.

Listen to the full interview with Andy Council and Bristol24/7 Editor Martin Booth in the latest episode of the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

https://soundcloud.com/bristol247/b247-ep11-finaledit?ct=t(B247_newsletter_250721)&mc_cid=acd07b2691&mc_eid=30ea530c91

Speaking about his latest work, Council said: “The Old City has so many great buildings that I have referenced in this piece of work – I have been keen to do something involving them for some time.

“The landscapes are in the forms of heraldic beasts due to the church being from the 14th century.  The pieces are intended to look like illuminated manuscripts, but with a modern twist.’’

The mural depicts four beasts made up of architectural landmarks found in the historic area – photo by Peter Hall

The mural was commissioned by Bristol City Council, in partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust, which manages the church, with the aim of refreshing the archway and celebrating the history of the area. Costing just under £6,000, the new piece was paid for by Section 106 funding – a levy paid to the community by developers.

It replaces a mural painted by artists Paris and Feek in 2008 that was no longer in good condition.

During the coming months, several temporary installations from local artists will be installed as part of the project celebrating the area’s heritage.

Andy Council researched the history of the area for the prroject – photo by Peter Hall

Elise Hurcombe, a senior arts officer in Bristol City Council’s culture team, said: “The Old City area of Bristol is changing as we focus on giving more space to the businesses, visitors and shoppers in this historic area and we want to ensure it is attractive to citizens and visitors as the recovery from the economic effects of the pandemic continues.

“It is also important to reflect the history of the area and we have worked closely with the Churches Conservation Trust to try and ensure we celebrate this heritage.

“As part of his research, the artist Andy has spoken to volunteers who help to open St John on the Wall to visitors about the history of the site. Their knowledge has been invaluable and their suggestions have helped to shape the design.’’

Part of the artwork will reference the route of ‘St John’s Conduit’, marking a water supply that once served the old walled city of Bristol. From Brandon Hill, the water ran through pipes down Park Street, emerging at St John on the Wall church on Quay Street.

Main photo by Martin Booth

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