5950. Richmond Road (7)

At the bottom of Richmond Road you will find this outstanding mural by Sikoh, you will also find a row of permanently parked cars in front of it, making it impossible to get a clean photograph of the piece in all its splendour. These pictures are the best I can get or am ever likely to get.

The piece, which I am guessing was a commission, or at least painted for friends or acquaintances of the artist, has a very strong Bristol theme running through it, starting with a hot air balloon, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and a Bristol fox, each icons of the city.

The middle section is occupied with an enormous octopus, although I am not aware of any connections this has with Bristol and assume that it is a central character in telling the story in a compelling way. The SS Great Britain and the Matthew are wrapped in the giant sea beast’s tentacles.

The last panel features Cabot’s Tower on Brandon Hill and Concord, wrapping up a fabulous canter through the history of a city known for its discovery, engineering and adventurous spirit. The only thing missing is a riot or two, but that would probably spoil the positive vibe. An outstanding historical mural by a brilliant artist.