New Mural Unveiled at Newquay WI Hall as Love Newquay Trail Grows

A new large scale mural has been unveiled at the Newquay Women’s Institute Hall on Manor Road, becoming the latest addition to the expanding Love Newquay Mural Trail.

The artwork is the second of three murals being delivered through TRIP funding secured from Cornwall Council and forms part of Newquay BID’s wider plans to add more public artworks across the town centre.

A Growing Mural Trail in Newquay

The Love Newquay Mural Trail has been developed over the past 18 to 24 months and now features several large scale artworks on prominent buildings around the town. Each mural includes a QR code linking to the Love Newquay website, where people can find out more about the artist, the artwork, and the story behind it.

The aim is to encourage footfall throughout the year, not just during the peak tourist season, while also celebrating Newquay’s heritage, creativity, and community.

About the New WI Hall Mural

The mural has been painted on the Newquay WI Hall on Manor Road and was produced by Slapdash Studio. It was painted by Irish muralist Shauna Anseo, whose work is known for its strong storytelling and use of light.

The design takes inspiration from the history of the Newquay Women’s Institute. It references archival photographs of the WI’s founder, Lady Molesworth St Aubyn, sourced from the National Portrait Gallery, alongside a reimagined version of the Newquay WI banner.

Created in a stained glass style with Art Nouveau influences, the background reflects the early use of church halls by the WI, the importance of craft within the movement, and the visual language of the era in which the group was founded.

The finished mural shows Lady Molesworth St Aubyn in profile, colourised from an original black and white photograph. She is shown wearing a delicate lace top and a flower brooch in the WI’s colours. A central banner reads “Newquay WI, Inspiring Women since 1918” and sits within a triple arched Art Nouveau window. Local references, including pilchards and the Huer’s Hut, firmly connect the artwork to Newquay’s heritage.

About the Artist

Shauna Anseo is an Irish muralist and street artist based in London. Her large scale figurative works explore themes of light, storytelling, and belonging, often sitting between portraiture and mythmaking.

Her practice is rooted in collaboration and is frequently developed through dialogue with local schools, councils, and communities to uncover shared narratives and translate them into meaningful public artworks.

How the Mural Was Created

The mural was designed as a collage of found images, with Shauna using a VR headset to map and draw the outlines directly onto the wall. Despite challenging weather conditions, including two storms, Shauna and Slapdash Studio completed the work from the scaffold during a wet and windy week in December.

Project Leadership and Partnerships

Jack Tierney of Slapdash Studios is the project lead for the Newquay mural programme. He works closely with Newquay BID to identify suitable walls, commission artists, and manage delivery, including logistics, safety, and setup.

What Newquay BID Says

Mark Warren, Newquay BID Manager, said:
“We’re so pleased to be part of this ongoing project, which has seen multiple murals now appearing in really prime locations across Newquay. It’s incredibly exciting to see the response, feedback from both the local community and our visitors is consistently very positive. We’re always looking for new walls and fresh ideas, and we’re committed to continuing this fantastic project over the next five years.”

What Happens Next

The third and final mural funded through the TRIP programme is currently underway and is due to be completed in time for Christmas. Further details are expected to be announced shortly.

Looking ahead, Newquay BID plans to seek additional funding in 2026 to continue expanding the mural trail and is inviting building owners within the town centre to get in touch if they are interested in hosting future artworks.