Ipswich BHS store decorated with mural for Wolsey 550

The artwork, produced as part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 programme, was painted by a group of young artists from One Sixth Form College in Ipswich, with Suffolk-based illustrator, Joel Millerchip.

The mural has been painted on hoardings stretching the entire length of the former BHS store on Butter Market.

Students from One Sixth Form College painting the mural (Image: Wolsey 550)

The theme for the mural is safety, something young people in Ipswich said was important to them in the town.

Joel Millerchip said: "In Thomas Wolsey's time, the Tudor Rose was a new, important symbol, signifying two royal households coming together, expressing unity and strength.

"Following that example, these young artists have designed new flowers, each linking to aspects of protection and safety, in order to ensure happiness, which are all positive values for Ipswich."

The young artists behind the mural, Nikki, Roxie, Sahel, Sam, Keisha, Mirabel, Aine, Jack and Eve, are all year 12 or 13 Foundational Art students at One Sixth Form College.

The students at the college who painted the mural (Image: Wolsey 550)

Lloyd Evans, head of visual art department at the college said: "It is great to be part of such a positive community project, injecting life and colour into the town centre.

"Throughout the production of the mural we've heard nothing but positive feedback from the public, with the work clearly well received.

"We are proud of the students who took part, all stepping up to the challenge and the artwork speaks for itself."

Students painting the mural (Image: Wolsey 550)

Kath Cockshaw, project director for Wolsey 550, said: "This project combines the voice and talents of young people in Ipswich, enabled by local purpose-led organisations and businesses, who all have a basic need for safety and security in our town.

"This project really delivers on the Wolsey 550 project objectives to give local young people new opportunities and develop the collective sense of pride in our town."

The mural was done as part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project (Image: Wolsey 550)