A local artist has transformed Bristol’s Harbourside by creating a 95 ft long and 10 ft tall graffiti mural at the development.
The work, which was done by ‘Cheo’, was commissioned by property developers Crest Nicholson which wanted a tribute to the city’s marine history at the site, which is situated right on Bristol’s waterside.
Cheo, 38, from Kingswood came up with the concept of pirate ships and marine life for the piece and spent three days working on the impressive project.
Cheo said: “This is definitely the longest piece I have ever created at 95 ft long. Most of the work I do is personal stuff like bedrooms and shops so it’s great to have something of this size displayed in my home city.”
Cheo has had a successful career as a graffiti artist since winning the National Graffiti Art Championships in 1987 and coming second place in the World Graffiti Art Championships in 1989. He and his art also appeared on Richard and Judy’s morning show in 1991.
The artist continued: “I’ve drawn ever since I can remember; it’s a running joke that I was born with a pencil in my hand because my mum always had to carry paper and pens around instead of a dummy!
“I went to art college for six weeks but ended up leaving so I am completely self-taught. It’s a great honour to have my art displayed at one of the hotspots in Bristol.”
Cheo is currently working on other graffiti projects, canvasses, t-shirts and art work for the BBC and Channel 4. He has also released his own ‘Colouring Book’ which can be purchased at several places in Bristol including Waterstones.
Harbourside is made up of one, two and three-bedroom properties as well as four five-storey luxury villas. The development offers superb views, a prime location and a high standard of finish on each home.
There is also a growing sense of community with shops, bars and restaurants such as Bordeaux Quay, The Living Room and Pizza Express all on site.
Susan Young, sales and marketing director for Harbourside said of the new art work: “I’m really pleased with Cheo’s finished result; I think it reflects Harbourside’s proximity to the water which is a big draw for people when buying houses. Bristol’s waterfront is such a vibrant location and the bright colours and vivid design of the graffiti compliments it really well.”
For more information on Cheo visit www.cheo.co.uk. For further information on Harbourside please call 0117 908 8888 or visit www.harbourside.co.uk. Alternatively please contact Anna at Savills on 0117 910 0354 or email astanbridge@savills.com. The marketing suite on Cathedral Walk is open daily from 10am to 5pm.