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A colourful mosaic of a moth on a low concrete wall.
A mosaic rendering of a bird embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a heron embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a frog embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a bird embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a fish embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a bee embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a sea bass embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a butterfly embedded on the coastal wall
A mosaic rendering of a bird of prey embedded on the coastal wall
6 Gundimore Wildlife Mosaics
6 out of total number of 0 in trail

Visit this series of 14 new mosaic artworks displayed on the sea wall that links Mudeford Quay to Gundimore Beach. Each mosaic depicts a species of wildlife local to the Christchurch area to celebrate and raise awareness of the incredible local wildlife that calls the area its own.

About the artwork

 

Each mosaic is made from hand cut and glazed ceramic pieces, designed and created by Christchurch-based artist, iffy (Matthew Byrom). The artwork aims to brighten up the popular pathway between the Quay and beaches, adding a cultural feature that is publicly accessible to all.

While developing the design for the artwork iffy led a series of community engagement workshops with local community groups, school children, and youth groups. These workshops introduced participants to the art of mosaic and explored the community’s connection to the heritage and nature of the area.

Celebrating local wildlife and conservation

 

Wildlife depicted in the artwork will include the Natterjack Toad, which now has a stable population at nearby Hengistbury Head due to careful conservation efforts. An Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, and Stonechat are amongst the bird species that will be depicted, which can all be found around the Mudeford and Stanpit Marsh area. The Shore Crab will of course be represented, a species that will invoke memories of crabbing along the quayside for a lot of visitors.

Here is a full list of the species depicted in the artwork: White-tailed Eagle, Red Gurnard, Hairy Dragonfly, European Seabass, Weasel, Oystercatcher, Green–eyed Flower Bee, Stonechat, Natterjack Toad, Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Painted Lady Butterfly, Common Lizard, Grey Heron, and Shore Crab.

 

Thanks to Hampshire Cultural Trust, Somerford Primary School, Somerford Arc ADaPt Café, The Chatterboxes Youth Groups, and the local residents involved for their participation and support of the project.

Visiting the artwork

 

This is a series of artworks placed along the seawall from Mudeford Quay to Gundimore Beach. It’s viewable from the pathway, hard surface, and is accessible (though please note that after windy or stormy weather there can some sand built up on the pathway). It is very close to car parks at Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach, refreshments, seating, and public toilets. The artwork can be viewed by walking along the pathway in either direction.

You can find it on a map using What3Words: Start at either ///anyway.novel.track at Mudeford Quay or ///globe.faster.sugar at Gundimore Beach.