7330. Cumberland Basin

Esme Lower, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, November 2025
Esme Lower, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, November 2025

What a wonderful creation from Esme Lower. I was lucky with my timing on this one, and met Esme while she was painting this piece. She always seems to make time for a quick chat, and told me that this piece was inspired by a Studio Ghibli character called Catbus, from Totoro.

Esme Lower, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, November 2025
Esme Lower, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, November 2025

This is a beautifully imagined and painted piece with superb clarity and definition between elements. The fills are clean and solid and black outlines tidy. I love the little mouse sitting on the top of Catbus. Researching the character led me down an interesting path of Studio Ghibli artwork and films, which was most enjoyable. A lovely and accomplished piece by Esme Lower.

1599. Raleigh Road, Tobacco Factory (13)

Well now, here is another fabulous stencil by Stephen Quick, and due to its location in a car park is almost impossible to photograph, so I will rebrand these images as ‘arty’ on account of the fine reflections on the shiny black bonnet of the annoying car parked in front of the piece.

Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road, Bristol, July 2018
Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road, Bristol, July 2018

Once again Stephen Quick spoils us with an image of an iconic figure in the shape of Totoro. The piece is called ‘I bet you’re Totoro and is a direct reference to a massive manga film I have never seen, made in 1988, ‘My Neighbour Totoro‘. Exposing my ignorance even further, I am not sure who the lady in the picture is, but I am sure she is probably famous. I am not very good with Iconic references and usually do really badly on those online quizzes you see from time to time. Now ask me something about natural history and I am onto a winner.

Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road, Bristol, July 2018
Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road, Bristol, July 2018

This is a really fabulous and intricate stencil and I know that Stephen spends many hours preparing for these pieces. Maybe one day he could give me some basic tips for my ambitions one day to join the ranks of Bristol street artists.