New Mural Covers Up Graffiti at Walnut Bridge

Published on: 12 Aug, 2025
Updated on: 13 Aug, 2025

The mural includes a kingfisher and the willow trees leaves reflecting the willow on Guildford’s Town Bridge. GBC

By Martin Giles

A new mural has appeared in Guildford and it covers defacing graffiti.

Guildford Borough Council commissioned the painting the eye-catching artwork under Walnut Bridge.

The stairway as it appeared in May this year.

The mural is situated by the steps leading up to the railway station. Designed and painted by professional street artists, it spans three walls with the aim GBC says “to breathe new life into the area”.

Skyhigh painting the narrow boat design. GBC

A council spokesperson said: “This Street Art Project is a key part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to revitalising the town centre and creating an inclusive and prosperous borough.”

Roo at work

The work was carried out by two street artists – Roo and Skyhigh – a duo who specialise in the creation of large-scale freehand art murals. They spend their time transforming neglected spaces with works of art.

They were approached by the council to come up with a concept for Walnut Bridge. The design celebrates the flora and fauna of the River Wey.

The mural includes a kingfisher, the willow trees over Guildford’s Town Bridge, a lesser celandine flower and a narrowboat.

The design was produced with help from the National Trust at Dapdune Wharf, who provided Roo with a wide range of information and history. Roo was born in Guildford and, although she and Skyhigh no longer live locally, the town retains a special place in their hearts.

Walnut Bridge Art. GBC

Cllr Angela Goodwin, lead councillor for Environment and Recreation at Guildford Borough Council, said: “Public art has the power to transform the way people feel about their surroundings. This mural is a fantastic example of where we can enhance our urban spaces and support a cleaner, greener town centre for all to enjoy.

Cllr Angela Goodwin

“The area has previously suffered from vandalism and, thanks to working alongside some incredibly talented street artists, we’re proud that it has been transformed into a landmark that represents the unique character of the area.

“By investing in street art, we’re not only improving the visual appeal of our public spaces but also sending a clear message that we value creativity and respect for them.”

The Street Art Project is commissioned by Guildford Borough Council and is supported by Experience Guildford. It seeks to use art to inspire and encourage positive use of public areas in Guildford.

The mural at Walnut Bridge provides a striking gateway for those passing through and fosters a sense of ownership and respect for the local environment.

Amanda Masters, CEO Experience Guildford

Amanda Masters, chief executive of Experience Guildford, said: “We’re delighted to support the Street Art Project, which brings a fresh, creative energy to the town. Enhancing the visual landscape of Guildford not only improves the experience for visitors but also develops a stronger sense of place and pride in our communities.

“Having already launched our mural in Chapel Street, we are looking to brighten unloved areas of the public realm and so are always looking for further street art opportunities in the town centre.”

But graffiti remains on other parts of the new Walnut Bridge, on the opposite bank, the flat surfaces proving irresistible to some.

Graffiti remains on the opposite bank.

Responses to New Mural Covers Up Graffiti at Walnut Bridge

Roger Kendall Reply

August 12, 2025 at 5:25 pm

Wonderful. Well done everyone. Great art too.
Sara Tokunaga Reply

August 12, 2025 at 8:57 pm

Just out of interest how much did this cost, or did the artists give their time, designs and materials for nothing?

Editor’s response: The work was sponsored by GBC and Experience Guildford. But to obtain further information this comment is being sent to GBC, requesting a response.
- GBC Spokesperson Reply
  
  August 14, 2025 at 5:26 pm
  
  The total cost of this work was £4,750. This included the research, design, materials used and three days of the artists’ time in painting the mural. The project was funded by Guildford Borough Council from within existing budgets.
Roland Dunster Reply

August 13, 2025 at 1:48 pm

Yet to see it in person but what an uplifting and locally relevant mural. Unlike the socially, environmentally and financially corrosive vandalism it replaced, this is true art.

I do fear however that the consequence-free mass daubing of graffiti (and shameful littering) that has been and is allowed to proliferate in the town, suburbs and wider borough, may result in this beautiful work also being defaced. Let’s hope not.

Although I would far rather the causes of graffiti and littering were seriously tackled and not just their symptoms ie via the full and overt enforcement of laws and fines, I do commend GBC and Experience Guildford for this. They, county and national authorities have however given themselves a mountain to climb in attempting to deal with these local and national scourges.
Jim Allen Reply

August 13, 2025 at 2:08 pm

At long last something to write home about. Well done all involved.
Tom Saunders Reply

August 13, 2025 at 4:42 pm

Brilliant to see this! Although it may not deter further graffiti, I’d agree this and the mural at Chapel Street (see: A New Scene for a Guildford Street) provides a welcome lift to the vibe in the town.

Good to give support to talented artists too – perhaps it may give the “taggers” something to aspire to as well.
Ian Doyle Reply

August 15, 2025 at 7:52 pm

Fantastic to see this. Congratulations to GBC officers and Experience Guildford for a positive impact on the town environment.

Ian Doyle is a former senior director at GBC.