Gosse mural brightens up Poole

Ever heard of Philip Henry Gosse? Neither had we. But he was a Poole local and an inspirational marine biologist in the 1900s, and his life and work is now being celebrated in a vibrant new public art mural on Poole High Street.

The mural, unveiled earlier today, is inspired by Gosse’s beautiful marine illustrations, and has been produced by Paintshop Studio in Poole. Rick Walker and Sandra Ramos, who led the design, wanted to reproduce the breathtaking effect Gosse’s illustrations would have had on a Victorian audience. They explained:

“By recreating Gosse’s artworks, as true to his as possible but at a scale they have never been seen before, we’re showing them in an environment that is as alien as they would have appeared to human audiences when first published. 

“Our aim with this mural is firstly to create something beautiful for residents and visitors to enjoy, but also to find a fresh new way to present and celebrate Gosse’s work and achievements.”  

Gosse’s curiosity about the unknown led him to publish many works on natural and marine history, many of them drawings and paintings, and he is credited with coining the word ‘aquarium’, having created and stocked the first public aquarium in London Zoo in 1853.

Last year, a new blue plaque commemorating Gosse was revealed at Skinner Street Church, and the mural is a way to further celebrate his achievements - nature and heritage being popular themes for local art with the general public, following a consultation in the summer.

Historic England’s national High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme commissioned the work, along with Poole BID, supported by BCP Council.

Leader of Poole BID, Jacqui Rock, said: “This has been an exciting project to work on because not only are we bringing accessible art to the high-street, but I am also happy to see that we are working with one of our local businesses from Poole Town.

“The finished piece will also demonstrate the wonderful heritage that Poole has to offer, which will be reflected in the artwork for many years to come."

Check out the mural at 58 High Street, Poole, opposite New Orchard.

By Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter

Photo credits: Poole BID, BCP Council