7825. Dean Lane skate park (935)

Dibz, Fade and Rusk, Dean Lane, Bristol, July 2026
Dibz, Fade and Rusk, Dean Lane, Bristol, July 2026

The Wacky Races cartoon series is deeply embedded in some of my happiest memories. As children, my two best friends and I would watch it every week together, adopting our favourite characters – being the youngest, I got third choice and was Professor Patent Pending, which I was actually quite happy with. Our own fortunes were dictated by those of our chosen characters, and winning the race was joyful and bestowed bragging rights until the next episode.

Dibz, Fade and Rusk, Dean Lane, Bristol, July 2026
Dibz, Fade and Rusk, Dean Lane, Bristol, July 2026

This is a wonderful combination of writing from Fade and Dibz and the character piece by Rusk. The wildstyle writing is top class, with each piece hanging perfectly in the blue sky. The writing is accompanied by the words “Dibz Dastardly & Fadely”, a direct reference to the characters in Rusk’s character piece.

Rusk, Dean Lane, Bristol, July 2026
Rusk, Dean Lane, Bristol, July 2026

Rusk has done a great job with Dastardly and Mutley in their flying machine, and has conflated Wacky Races with Stop the Pigeon, which was a spin-off series from Wacky Races. I love this collaboration, a real trip down memory lane – probably 55 years or more ago. Thank you.

Thursday Doors – 6 August 2026

Doors 365 – Doors of Saltaire – May 2025

My job takes me round the country from time to time, and in May 2025, I was lucky enough to be present at the launch of a new National Nature Reserve (Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR), which was celebrated in Saltaire. Saltaire is an incredible model village that had been completely off my radar. It is a World Heritage Site and was purpose built as a village for workers at the nearby mill – here’s more from an AI trawl:

Saltaire is a Victorian model village in West Yorkshire, founded in 1851 by the textile manufacturer Sir Titus Salt to provide high-quality housing and amenities for the workers at his nearby textile mill. Designed with wide streets, solid stone buildings and impressive public spaces, the village reflected progressive ideas about industrial living and has remained remarkably well-preserved.

Today, Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its outstanding industrial heritage and architectural significance. Its distinctive stone terraces, original features and carefully maintained historic buildings make it a popular destination for visitors and a valuable example of Victorian craftsmanship, where traditional details—including many original and sympathetically restored doors—continue to contribute to the village’s unique character.

This week’s doors are primarily from the civic buildings in the village, I hope you enjoy them:

Panelled door, Saltaire, World Heritage Site, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Panelled door, Saltaire, World Heritage Site, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Panelled door, Saltaire, World Heritage Site, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Panelled door, Saltaire, World Heritage Site, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Green Door of Saltaire United Reformed Church, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Green Door of Saltaire United Reformed Church, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Gates archway and door, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Gates archway and door, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Panelled door and impressive door surround of Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Panelled door and impressive door surround of Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Inside doors in Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Inside doors in Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Grandfather clock and glass pendulum door, Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Grandfather clock and glass pendulum door, Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Inside doors in Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025
Inside doors in Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England May 2025

That’s yer lot this week, but I’ll be posting more doors from this incredible town next time. Enjoy your weekend, when it comes.

If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s weekly Thursday Doors post and his Sunday recap.

7824. M32 roundabout J2 (31)

John D'oh, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, May 2026
John D’oh, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, May 2026

John D’oh has given me an unforgettable spring and summer with his extraordinary outdoor gallery on the concrete columns supporting the M32 above. Dozens of his stencils decorate the area with humorous and poignant material and then the council come along and buff them which allows him to refresh his gallery with new work. The circle of graffiti life.

John D'oh, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, May 2026
John D’oh, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, May 2026

This black and white piece with a clever touch of colour carries a powerful message and observation, with the words:

Poverty is not just the lack of money; for a child, it is a lack of security, opportunity and the simple freedom just to be a child.

A quote widely attributed to UNICEF, and perfectly illustrated with a child clutching a teddy bear. The piece is a moving one and right up there with some of John Dohs’ best commentary pieces.

7823. South Street – Upfest 2026 (45)

Xenz, Upfest 2026, South Street, Bristol, May 2026
Xenz, Upfest 2026, South Street, Bristol, May 2026

Xenz has absolutely smashed it with this atmospheric neoclassical vista on South Street. The piece is an absolute treat for anyone strolling along North Street and a real head-turner. The wall is a special one and Xenz has more than done it justice.

Xenz, Upfest 2026, South Street, Bristol, May 2026
Xenz, Upfest 2026, South Street, Bristol, May 2026

It is interesting to see the changes that Xenz made to his largely complete piece when I passed by while he was painting, such as the lily pads and rocks in the water, and some white flowers on the creepers to the left. As you can imagine from the amount of intricate detail in his work, this piece took more than a couple of days to complete.

Xenz, Upfest 2026, South Street, Bristol, May 2026
Xenz, Upfest 2026, South Street, Bristol, May 2026

Xenz’ fantasy work allows the mind to drift into another world where calmness and peace are at the heart of everything. This is definitely a personal favourite from this year’s festival.

7822. Gathorne Road – Upfest 2026 (44)

Inkie, Upfest 2026, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2026
Inkie, Upfest 2026, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2026

One of the ‘sure things’ about Upfest is that Inkie will give the Parsons Bakery a refresh, and offer another bakery related pun, this has become a tradition now and something to look forward to on the Upfest calendar.

Inkie, Upfest 2026, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2026
Inkie, Upfest 2026, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2026

This year Inkie has gone to town with his ‘Bready or not, here I crumb’, which is a groan of a pun, but actually rather good. The writing is outstanding in his bold style, and it is possible many seeing it won’t actually get as far as reading it, being seduced by the grand nature of the lettering.

Inkie, Upfest 2026, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2026
Inkie, Upfest 2026, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2026

Inkie completes the piece with one of his trademark stylised portraits. No need for a signature here. Inkie is synonymous with Bristol street art, and after Banksy, is probably the best known graffiti export from the city, alongside Nick Walker, perhaps. Brilliant to see this refresh and enjoy the humour of the piece.

Inkie, Upfest 2024, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2024
Inkie, Upfest 2024, Gathorne Road, Bristol, May 2024
Inkie, Gathorne Road, Bristol, July 2019
Inkie, Gathorne Road, Bristol, July 2019
Inkie, Gathorne Road, Bristol, June 2016
Inkie, Gathorne Road, Bristol, June 2016

Marram Grass

Marram Grass (Calamagrostis arenaria), Holywell, South West Coast Path, Cornwall, August 2026
Marram Grass (Calamagrostis arenaria), Holywell, South West Coast Path, Cornwall, August 2026

.

Tufted grassy clumps

sway gently in the sea breeze

steady dune builder

.

by Scooj

7821. Dalby Avenue – Upfest 2026 (43)

Peggy, Upfest 2026, Dalby Avenue, Bristol, May 2026
Peggy, Upfest 2026, Dalby Avenue, Bristol, May 2026

I only noticed after I lined this piece up to post that it isn’t actually finished. I’ll have to return and get a final picture, next time I am in that part of town. The Upfest piece is by Bristol tattooist and street artist Peggy, who has featured in Natural Adventures many times.

Peggy, Upfest 2026, Dalby Avenue, Bristol, May 2026
Peggy, Upfest 2026, Dalby Avenue, Bristol, May 2026

This piece is brighter than Peggy’s usual toned-down floral arrangements, but contains many of the same features and styling. You can see from this unfinished work what a difference the detailing can make. It is always great to see Peggy’s street work, which is quite different from much of the work we see day in day out.

7820. Stillhouse Lane – Upfest 2026 (42)

3Dom, Upfest 2026, Stillhouse Lane, Bristol, May 2026
3Dom, Upfest 2026, Stillhouse Lane, Bristol, May 2026

It has been great to see that the representation of Bristol artists at Upfest this year was really strong and that most had been afforded a proper wall rather than a temporary board, which has been the case in the past. It gives the opportunity for Bristol talent to be seen in the host city.

3Dom, Upfest 2026, Stillhouse Lane, Bristol, May 2026
3Dom, Upfest 2026, Stillhouse Lane, Bristol, May 2026

This is a wonderful piece by 3Dom with so much symbolism and so many messages curated within his surreal dreamlike style. I think broadly speaking, it is a piece that wants to portray hope and optimism, but have a closer look and it is filled with images of sadness and doom. The images of lover and peace are pierced with arrows. Sharks patrol the black murky waters. The weight of love is heavy. Faces alternate between sadness and happiness. So much to see here.

I managed to have a long chat with 3Dom just after he had finished the piece, and he is such a gentleman, thoughtful and kind, and of course immensely talented. Outstanding work.

Gage Graphics

A gallery of outstanding graffiti and high-end murals from Bristol-based Gage Graphics (AKA Ollie Gillard)

Instagram: @gage.graphics

Website: gagegraphics.co.uk

All photographs by Scooj

Gage Graphics. Upfest 22, Bristol, May 2022
Gage Graphics. Upfest 22, Bristol, May 2022

Gage Graphics. Upfest 22, Bristol, May 2022
Gage Graphics. Upfest 22, Bristol, May 2022

Gage Graphics, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2022
Gage Graphics, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2022

Gage Graphics, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2022
Gage Graphics, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2022

Gage Graphics, Alpine Road, Bristol, November 2021
Gage Graphics, Alpine Road, Bristol, November 2021

Gage Graphics, Alpine Road, Bristol, November 2021
Gage Graphics, Alpine Road, Bristol, November 2021

Gage Graphics, Alpine Road, Bristol, November 2021
Gage Graphics, Alpine Road, Bristol, November 2021

Gage Graphics, West Street, Bristol, June 2021
Gage Graphics, West Street, Bristol, June 2021

Gage Graphics, West Street, Bristol, June 2021
Gage Graphics, West Street, Bristol, June 2021

Gage Graphics, Upper York Street, Bristol, May 2021
Gage Graphics, Upper York Street, Bristol, May 2021

Gage Graphics, Upper York Street, Bristol, May 2021
Gage Graphics, Upper York Street, Bristol, May 2021

Gage Graphics, Upper York Street, Bristol, May 2021
Gage Graphics, Upper York Street, Bristol, May 2021

Gage Graphics, St Luke's Road, Bristol, December 2020
Gage Graphics, St Luke’s Road, Bristol, December 2020

Gage Graphics, St Luke's Road, Bristol, December 2020
Gage Graphics, St Luke’s Road, Bristol, December 2020

Gage Graphics, St Luke's Road, Bristol, December 2020
Gage Graphics, St Luke’s Road, Bristol, December 2020

Gage Graphics, St Luke's Road, Bristol, December 2020
Gage Graphics, St Luke’s Road, Bristol, December 2020

Gage Graphics, St Luke's Road, Bristol, December 2020
Gage Graphics, St Luke’s Road, Bristol, December 2020

Gage Graphics, St Luke's Road, Bristol, December 2020
Gage Graphics, St Luke’s Road, Bristol, December 2020

Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, September 2020
Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, September 2020

Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020
Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020

Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020
Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020

Gage, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Gage, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

Gage, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Gage, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

Gage Graphics, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Gage Graphics, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

Gage Graphics, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Gage Graphics, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

7819. Greenway Bush Lane – Upfest 2026 (41)

Zmaja, Upfest 2026, Greenway Bush Lane, Bristol, May 2026
Zmaja, Upfest 2026, Greenway Bush Lane, Bristol, May 2026

Wow, how can work like this be created using spray cans? The richness and depth of colours and the brilliant use of shades to create a three-dimensional scene is incredible. The artist Zmaja is a Canadian-Serbian muralist and illustrator known for her cartoon-ish 3D animals, community-focused street art.

Zmaja, Upfest 2026, Greenway Bush Lane, Bristol, May 2026
Zmaja, Upfest 2026, Greenway Bush Lane, Bristol, May 2026

In this tea party scene, a fox and a rabbit are sharing a brew and a cookie and are accompanied by a couple of little yellow birds assisting with the sugar. A wonderful scene and story unfolds, but I can’t help feeling that there might be a sinister motive in the back of the fox’s mind, which once thought about, can’t be unthought. A superb Upfest piece.