Bedminster unveils landmark art project on International Women’s Day

The row of Victorian terraced buildings on North Street in Bedminster currently features four stunning murals by female artists Bex Glover, Zoe Power, Gemma Compton and Sophie Long, on the shop fronts of Like Sew Amazing, Zara’s Chocolates, Upfest and South West Upholstery.

In spring, the row will be completed with two huge new murals by esteemed Bristol artists Lucas Antics and Ejit, making it the largest mural project in the UK designed and painted by female street artists.

The title of Six Sisters is inspired by San Francisco's famed Painted Ladies; a terrace of colourful Victorian and Edwardian houses which have been drawing attention to the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood of the city since the 60s.

Simon Dicken, chair of the Bedminster BID said:

“Bedminster is world renowned for its street art we’re lucky to have some of the biggest and best artists and artwork right here on our doorstep. It’s a huge draw for locals and visitors alike, as they can come to explore the streets and enjoy our local retail and hospitality offering.

“It seems fitting to celebrate the reopening of our high streets with the completion of this series, which will have been five years in the making. It will be the largest collection of permanent murals worldwide by female artists in one space and all home-grown Bristol talent.”

Painting will commence in late-March, and be completed in April, ready for the reopening of non-essential shops and the much-anticipated barbers and hairdressers of Bedminster.

The final two ‘Sisters’ will be completed above Oowee Diner and Peter Burrows & Co Solicitors and feature work by Ejits and Lucas Antics.

Known for their quirky illustrations inspired by American animation and Japanese character design, Ejits’s work brightens up any wall with cute and brightly coloured space animals, zombies and ghosts.

Lucas Antics’ work can be found peppered throughout Stokes Croft, Montpelier and Bedminster and is distinctly recognisable by its ode to graphic novels and brightly coloured whimsical designs.

The project began at Upfest 2016 with the completion of the first mural by Bristol-based artist and fashion designer, Gemma Compton above the Upfest Gallery on North Street. This inspired Stephen Hayles, the founder of Upfest to continue the series and Zoe Power, whose brightly coloured illustrations can be found throughout the city, completed her mural above Zara’s Chocolates in 2019.

2020 saw Bex Glover, who specialises in abstract nature-inspired work, and Sophie Long, famous for her striking bee and animal artwork, complete their additions above Like Sew Amazing and South West Upholstery, respectively. 

Stephen Hayles, founder of Upfest and lead on the Six Sisters series said:

“The Six Sisters is a truly unique opportunity to promote the strength of the female urban art scene in Bristol and inspire a future generation of female artists worldwide.

Over the course of six years, we will have completed the six walls and it’s really special to announce the completion on International Women’s Day. This will be the largest series of permanent street art by female artists in the UK, maybe even the world and this just goes to show how lucky we are in Bristol to have these incredible artists and to have a scene that supports female artists.”

Painting will take place over the coming weeks and should be enjoyed from a safe distance, following all government guidance. To learn more, please follow @BedminsterBID and @upfest on all social channels.