Art / mural
Hundreds help turn graffiti-hit wall into colourful mural
After months of fundraising and an unexpected delay, a project has successfully transformed a shabby Eastville walkway into a colourful community artwork.
Over six days, residents, schoolchildren, Scouts groups and passers-by picked up paintbrushes on Gadshill Road to turn more than 1,400 bricks into individual works of art.
The project got off to a rocky start after organisers, Brick Project, discovered the wall had been coated in anti-graffiti wax, preventing paint from sticking.
Despite trying everything from boiling water to wire brushes in all weathers, the team eventually had to hire a pressure washer twice to strip the coating away, pushing back the project by a week.
“People had been watching us pressure-washing the walls all week. When they realised we were creating a mural and that anyone could take part, they came straight back to paint,” said Brick Project founder Dan Petley.
“It felt like an almost religious experience transitioning from that to actually painting with people again.”
Dan and Fraisia had the unpleasant task of removing anti-graffiti wax from the walls – photo: Brick Project
Dan, along with Brick Project co-director Fraisia Bruist-Papazian, were supported by the local Scouts hut with boiling kettles and water in removing the wax.
Once the painting began, the atmosphere quickly shifted from problem-solving and “many swear words” to a fun community celebration.
Dan said: “Everybody seems to love it! Now and then, someone isn’t convinced, but they walk past again later and say, ‘Actually, it looks alright.’ That’s a bit of a win.”
Brick Project was founded by Dan Petley- photo: Poppy Milburn
Children came to paint alongside neighbours, families and dog walkers, while facilitators helped them to create their own tiny masterpieces.
For those unable to attend, the team painted commissioned bricks featuring everything from beloved pets to memorial tributes.
Artists of all ages took part – photo: Poppy Milburn
“We always try to keep our projects really hyperlocal,” said Fraisia.
“Every brick tells a story. Whether it’s a memorial, someone’s pet or something they’ve always loved, the result is an outdoor gallery that truly belongs to the community.”
Despite unforeseen obstacles, the Gadshill Road Brick Project was successfully finished – photo: Brick Project
Volunteer facilitator Alaric said one of the project’s greatest strengths is making art accessible to everyone.
“Traditional art spaces can sometimes feel intimidating,” he said.
“Here, anyone can take part, regardless of experience. People will be able to come back in years to come, find the brick they painted and remember the day they took part.”
How the wall looked prior to the project – photo: Brick Project
The finished wall can be found at the Stapleton Road end of Gadshill Road in Eastville – photo: Brick Project
Brick Project has transformed walls across Bristol and beyond over the past 15 years, with previous installations helping to reduce tagging and fly-tipping by giving local communities a sense of ownership over neglected spaces.
You can find out more about Brick Project (CIC) at brickproject.co.uk
Carla Wakfer is reporting on Eastville as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbets Trust.
Main photo: Brick Project; video: Carla Wakfer
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