FIVE KEY FACTS
Artist: Ben Allen
Where: Fore Street
What: Poppies
Style: Pop art/Contemporary Street Art
Produced by: Slapdash Studio
Keep reading to find out more…..
The Inspiration
“The mural is my abstract celebration of the vibrant poppy fields and wild beauty that surrounds Newquay (Polly Joke Beach). Inspired by Cornwall’s natural energy I wanted to bring that same sense of life, movement and colour into the urban landscape – transforming walls into living canvases that reflect the freedom and vitality of nature.
Through layers of bold colour, texture, and form, the piece invites people to pause, look closer, and reconnect with the natural world that inspired us all. It’s about bringing beauty back into everyday spaces and reminding us that art and nature can thrive side by side.” Ben Allen
The Artist
Ben Allen is an artist that lives and works in Newquay. He has worked on bespoke commissions for clients all over the world and his artwork has a dedicated fan base all over the world.
The Process
The design was produced digitally to scale and then we decided to use the latest technology to scale up the design onto the wall using a VR headset. This was a first for the mural tour and it was a really interesting and effective way to work. We then used spray paint, which is best suited for the pebble dashes surface.
The Finished Mural
The finished work was timed to co-inside with the remembrance day parade as as a fitting gesture to those who have fought for our country and town. The Poppies are larger than life and vibrant, as we wanted to create something that was instantly recognisable and could be seen as a pop of beautiful colour from a distance on a grey day.
“It’s been fantastic working with Ben on this mural. It’s great to be able to work with someone local, that lives, works and knows Newquay and all it has to offer. Representing local talented artists is something that’s important to me and the project and the positive feedback on this wall has been wonderful!”
The Producer: Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studio
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
