MUQY: HASS
This mural design celebrates Newquayʼs unique identity and its longstanding connection to the Great Western Railway (GWR).
The composition begins with The Cornishman steam train, a nod to GWRʼs heritage and its historic link between Newquay and London. A striking starling, often seen around Fistral Bay and rooted in Celtic mythology, represents the townʼs natural beauty and cultural origins. At the centre, the Treffry Viaduct anchors the scene, with an oversized rope weaving through , symbolising connection and movement. Sardines (specifically pilchards) pay tribute to Newquayʼs fishing industry, while the use of rope fragments and abstract forms adds depth and dynamism. Fragmented references to the classic GWR logo are subtly interwoven into the background. The logoʼs distinctive curves and lines offer a unique visual rhythm that ties the composition together while reinforcing the railwayʼs identity.
FIVE KEY FACTS
Artist: HASS – Hasan Kamil
Where: Newquay Train Station
What: Abstract shapes echo vintage 1980s/90s surf graphics. Through a bold, abstract collage style, it blends historical, cultural, and coastal elements to create a visually engaging and meaningful installation.
Style: Vibrant, summer-inspired colour palette
Produced by: Slapdash Studio
The Inspiration
A vibrant, summer-inspired palette and abstract shapes echo vintage 1980s/90s surf graphics, capturing Newquayʼs reputation as the UKʼs surf capital. The mural concludes with a dynamic pose of a surfer cutting through the design. The shape and pose compliments the murals wave like composition drawing the viewer to look up and down from left to right. This mural is designed to be striking, site-specific, and engaging, celebrating Newquayʼs past and present through the lens of GWRʼs legacy.
The Artist
Hasan Kamil also known as HASS. With over 15 years of mural and design experience, Hass has turned his passion for creating into a professional career, working throughout the country and abroad.
Whatever the project may be Hass collaborates closely with some of the UK’s best talents, carefully selecting the appropriate artist from his close team for the job.
The Process
We had many consultations with the Mid Cornwall Metro delivery team, a project to transform local journeys and introduce a new hourly rail service to Newquay.
We wanted to create something that spoke of the importance of the train line to Newquay historically and presently, so the mural is a montage depicting the various industries and cultural identities of the town that largely exist due to the rail link bringing people in and out of the town.
The mural itself was painted in five days, between Hasan and Slapdash Studio, which involved gridding the design onto the wall and using spray paint to paint it.
From the Artist
Hass said:
“I’m originally from, and currently live in a coastal town in south Wales so there were lots of similarities between where I grew up and Newquay as a town, so it was a really enjoyable experience to come and see those similarities, but also those differences for myself first hand.
The feedback throughout us painting the mural was incredible, and I’m over the moon to have my artwork in one of the most prominent walls on the trail.”
Jack Tierney, Slap Dash Studio
“We are often asked when the next mural is coming to town so we are so excited to officially announce and confirm its arrival. The previous murals generated a palpable buzz and we anticipate this will do the same. We don’t want to give too much away, but we can say it will be a striking piece that speaks to the locals, whilst providing a fun and colourful lift to the street. Just like the others, it will be thought provoking with depth and place-specific meaning. We have exciting plans for MUQY, with more sites set to launch in 2025, and we look forward to continuing to build on this legacy.“
