Marine Murals

The Solent is an important area for wildlife as well as a bustling landmark for shipping, sailing and water sports. To highlight the fascinating flora and fauna hidden beneath the waves, we commissioned street artist ATM to paint a series of marine wall murals at six coastal locations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

Each mural showcases a charismatic Solent species chosen by the local community via an online vote. ATM designed and painted each artwork freehand over the course of three to four days. 

We hope the murals will become landmarks in their respective locations, inspiring visitors to learn more about the wonderful wildlife in our local waters. The series forms part of our Secrets of the Solent project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which is raising awareness of this diverse marine environment through art, interpretation, citizen science, and more. 

Take a look at the mural locations across our two counties on the map below.

I really hope my art will go some way to making people realise what extraordinary creatures live on and around our isles and inspire greater efforts to protect them."

From as early as I can remember I was obsessed with drawing and painting birds and other animals. I spent so much time doing this that for a while my parents forbade me from drawing on Sundays, but I became so miserable they eventually relented.

I have always loved being outside and encountering wonderful creatures in exciting landscapes. I like wild places where nature thrives, where big flocks of birds and other abundances can be found.

At art college, I studied the history of art and over the years explored many different subjects and styles. Later on I became increasingly conscious of the destruction of the natural world and the disappearance of beloved creatures that were an integral part of my life from my earliest years. 

I came to realise that more needed to be done to turn things around and restore what we had lost. My work had engaged with political and social concerns for a long time, so wildlife street art was an ideal match for me, as it brought all my loves and passions together. It also seemed to be the perfect vehicle for reaching as wide an audience as possible. 

I really hope my art will go some way to making people realise what extraordinary creatures live on and around our isles and inspire greater efforts to protect them.