I was back in London about 10days ago walking along the Southbank when I caught sight of a new mural on the walls of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. A pair of Squirrels in dramatic pose. Getting into position to get a clear shot of this amazing work of art was not easy. I found the best place to shoot it from was standing on a table in the roof garden, but even so some work was required to straighten the image and remove some greenery that intruded into the base of the shot. The closer you get to this mural, the better you see its quality – it is superb.
Click the image to see a higher quality enlargement.
Who was the Artist? I googled ‘Squirrels QE Hall’ and up popped Picturing England by Ali Muskett (Haikugirl) and there was my answer. Thank you Haikugirl. This is the work of Roa and from a brief view of Roa’s webpage this is a classic example of his work. I also discovered from my visit to Picturing England that I had missed a mural by Phlegm that was further back from the river in the same location. Having heard of this artist and seen a lot of his work in posts by Postcard Café I was annoyed with myself for not having wandered about a little more. But there will always be another opportunity.
PS – having posted this, I was reminded of another mural seen in London a couple of years ago, and that image is now up in ‘Another Roa Mural‘. Do take a look.
There is a lot of detail in that work. Interesting piece. Nice shot! 🙂
Thanks Norma
Great shot Andy. I’ve seen a few photographs of this mural and this is probably my favourite! The CCTV camera appears to be keeping an eye on the squirrels! Many people understandably often confuse the works of Roa and Phlegm because they both paint mainly in black and white. They have collaborated on a painting somewhere in London but I cannot remember where (sorry). You should check out the Phlegm mural next time you are at the Southbank. Thank you for adding the P/Cafe link. Have a great weekend, Best wishes N 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Nigel. I was pleased to be able to reference your site. There is some interesting work displayed on the Picturing England blog. I’m pretty sure there is another Roa mural near Brick Lane (now I have heard of him and understand his style). I left the CCTV camera in deliberately as you will no doubt realise – I liked the idea of big brother watching this space. Hopefully it will deter vandalism of this artwork.
Great shot of a wonderful mural but I’d be interested in seeing a photo of you standing on a table in the roof garden taking this photo. You kids are crazy!
Thanks Ken. I’m used to getting strange looks, it comes with the territory!
I’m going a bit backwards in your posts today. These are really amazing murals. Wonderful shots (this one and your next post).
Thanks Edith – you got a double bonus on Friday this week! This is superb work isn’t it?
Wow, that has to be one of the most unusual murals that I have seen in a while. Great shot of it Andy.
Thanks Len. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It was good to be able to get so close to it too.
Marvellous !
Thanks Helen
Fantastic mural. I just viewed the other Roa mural, which is outstanding. Amazing detail on these squirrels.
Thanks Jimi. This is Art with a capital ‘A’.
Thanks again, Jimi. I’m astonished by the detail in this mural, too.
These are great. What a good way to fill up the blank walls of buildings, so much better than some of the alternatives. They immediately bring to mind the Redwall series of childrens stories that one of our boys read voraciously. Thanks for the link to Roa’s website, I especially like the squirrel partly in x-ray.
Thanks Ehpem. Works of art like this really brighten up dull walls. This one has appeared within the last few months.
I find the building art to be incredible…this is a wonderful and seriously playful/playfully serious image. I like it a lot.
I thought this would appeal to you (and the other one by Roa). It is superbly executed. Playful is the right word, the arrangement of the two squirrels is masterful.
that’s awesome Andy!
Thanks Jim