7813. Quaker’s Art Lane (2)

Esme Lower, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026
Esme Lower, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026


Esme Lower’s stock is sky high at the moment, having been Upfest’s featured artist this year, with her artwork adorning all the marketing materials, posters, maps etc. She has simply had the best breakthrough year and now sits at the top table of street artists in Bristol, which is high status indeed.

Esme Lower, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026
Esme Lower, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026

This stunning mural was painted by Esme Lower as part of a Pre-Upfest commission organised by Upfest to promote the Festival, and to stamp Bristol’s identity an a street art city in this shopping area between Cabot’s Circus and Broadmead. The largely symmetrical mural sits above one of the many Costa Cafés, and adds a vibrant and joyful atmosphere to this otherwise dull alley. Her colourful cartoon style shines through and tells a story of people and flowers. I love the two guys sitting at the table, setting the context of the piece off perfectly. Upwards and onwards for Esme Lower.

7780. Quakers Art Lane (1)

My Dog Sighs, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026
My Dog Sighs, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026

In the area where Broadmead meets Cabot Circus (two adjacent shopping centres in Bristol) is a little lane which Upfest curated for some spectacular pieces as a precursor to Upfest 2026. How brilliant to brighten up this area, reinforcing Bristol’s reputation as a global hub for street art. This outstanding piece is by Portsmouth’s superstar My Dog Sighs, and was the first of three he has painted in the city this year.

My Dog Sighs, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026
My Dog Sighs, Quakers Art Lane, Bristol, June 2026

This piece blends a trademark eye by My Dog Sighs with a musical theme with plenty of speaker cones dotted about the piece, and a music staff containing some notes and notation. The whole piece is decorated with attractive colourful splats, providing an interesting backdrop for his themes. There appear to be people celebrating in the reflection in the eye, and I am sure there is a backstory relating to them. A wonderful piece for shoppers and visitors alike to enjoy.