Who doesn’t love a bit of street art? One of the perks of working in the place industry is the chance to walk the streets of our cities; and 2024 found us in front of some truly amazing works, from jaw-dropping murals to quirky hidden gems. Let’s take a stroll through the 10 street art pieces that made us look twice last year.
1. Location: Belfast. Art: “Connected”, by Aches
In October 2024, Aches completed the largest mural on the island of Ireland to coincide with the Belfast 2024 year of culture. Through the artist’s uses distinctive superposition of colours and layers, they aim to convey themes of diversity and connectivity reflecting the diverse nature of people that live in, work in and are connected to the Linen Quarter on a daily basis.
2. Location: Bristol. Art: “First kiss at last light / Wring Ring” by Alex Chinneck
Three new sculptures (two knotted street lamps and one twisted phone booth) by artist Alex Chinneck have been installed outside the new Assembly Bristol workspaces near Temple Meads Station. The artist has described them as “intelligent sculptures that can laugh at themselves”.
He has channeled the “creative spirit” of the city to bring “moments of magic” into its streets. The project took him a total of four years to complete.
3. Location: Leicester. Art: Yeomans Street mural by Ertjwe
Leicester has long been one of our favourite street art locations.
As part of the 2024 Bring the Paint Festival, Dutch artist Ertjwe created a giant mural on the side of a Yeomans Street building. The wall is painted entirely by brush which is ironic considering one of the characters is painting a train with a spray can.
Known for his characters who are often found sneaking around in train yards (as a reference to the artist’s own past) Ertjwe’s signature style involves big round faces that aim to make the art relatable to everyone.
4. Location: Cheltenham. Art “Simple Acrobatics” by Artez
Cheltenham Paint Festival ran for two days in late July and saw some amazing artwork created across the town.
Our favourite is this mural on the side of a house in Charlton Court Road by Serbian artist Artez which depicts a woman in dance moving around a chair. The artist’s style is to play around with ideas of portraiture from everyday life and showcase the human body in imagined guises.
5. Location: Aberdeen. Art: “Offerings” by Cbloxx
Cbloxx is perhaps best known as a founding member of street art duo Nomad Clan who painted the tallest mural in the UK. As part of Nuart Aberdeen in June 2024, they created this homage to “living heritage” on the side of the old John Lewis building on Loch Street.
Prior to creating the mural, Cbloxx described finding inspiration within the Pictish past of the North East, in particular the origin story of the Scots, their legacy as master stone carvers as well as their intrinsic link with nature. The artist hopes the work will resonate with the people of Aberdeen – describing the artwork as a gift to the Granite City.
6. Location: Dundalk. Art: “Setanta” by Mister Copy
Dundalk’s annual SEEK Urban Arts Festival has been running since 2019 and every year each artist is tasked with painting a large scale mural illustrating a character or moment from the town’s rich history and heritage.
This mural on Church Street depicts a figure from Irish mythology, Setanta who was reputed to have killed the guard dog of a local Smith by hitting a sliotar down the hound’s throat. When confronted by the owner, Setanta stepped forward and said “I will be your guard” and henceforth became known as ‘Cúchulainn’ (Hound of Culainn)
Mister Copy created this mural as part of his “Modern Mythology” series focusing on ancient tales of Gods and Goddesses with a modern day twist.
7. Location: Worcester. Art: “Dines Green Fox” by Curtis Hylton
Worcester Paint Festival held a a festival day in September, featuring live painting in Cripplegate Park and a ‘history of graffiti’ mini exhibition.
Our favourite artwork from the 2024 creations is this beautiful mural on Gresham Road by UK based muralist Curtis Hylton, who uses his signature fusion of nature with wildlife to evoke a connection to nature and green spaces within an urban setting.
8. Location: Glasgow. Art: Penguins in the wall of Glasgow Botanical gardens by anonymous artist
We came across this one during a run in the Botanical gardens which took us past the wall on Kelvin Walkway. An anonymous Glasgow artist has been placing penguin figures into the wall to create entertaining scenes that aim to put a smile on the faces of passers-by.
If the selection criteria is to stop us in our tracks, then the penguins achieved exactly that.
9. Location: Wandsworth. Art: Mural at Southside Shopping Centre by Ruki Chuki
Ruki Chuki won a competition to create a mural in the heart of Wandsworth following an open call issued by Southside’s owners. The scene is at the centre’s West Entrance, and is inspired by the vibrant character and soul of the community in Wandsworth.
The mural features bright colours which portray the diversity of cultures and backgrounds within the community as well as within the artist’s own history. It also demonstrates how love transcends communities and connects different people no matter their background.
10. Location: Nottingham. Art: “Hippy Bird” at Fletcher Gate by Kid30 (smallkid)
The inaugural Art Fest in Nottingham took place in September, and featured some talented local artists for a day of creativity and community.
As part of the event, Kid30 (smallkid) created a beautiful mural on the side of Cubed Cuts and Coffee and Phlexx records shops on on Fletcher Gate. The artist is Midlands-based and is known for his cleanly painted characters with their unique and instantly recognisable bold style.