What is the King Street Mural?
As part of Cambridge Arts Festival 2026, Cambridge BID has been working on a large-scale collaborative project to bring vibrant street art to Cambridge, spanning 45-metres across a wall on King Street. The artwork was expertly created by three talented artists (Darin Mount, Melissa Lhoirit and Susy Snow) who drew inspiration from the rich history of Cambridge and King Street. Their designs were painted on the wall by Graffwerk, appointed design agency. The mural is a temporary installation, live for 24 months.
This project has been made possible by Sidney Sussex College, who generously granted access to use the wall.
Kathryn Smart, Domestic Bursar at Sidney Sussex College said:
“The King Street Mural project has been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Cambridge BID on an initiative that celebrates the character and creativity of the area. Cambridge BID presented a clear and compelling case for how the mural would benefit King Street, and we were pleased to respond positively to that vision. As a college rooted in this part of the city, we’re always keen to support projects that enhance the environment we share. It was a pleasure to meet the artists, and we know our students and staff have enjoyed seeing the mural take shape”.
Where did the artists draw inspiration from?
Darin Mount
Darin, who specialises in hand-cut papercuts, brings precision, texture and a sense of time passing into his piece. His contribution focuses on the often-unseen labour that shapes Cambridge’s landscapes, placing carefully observed human figures from Sydney Sussex College to reflect continuity, care and daily dedication.
“I was struck by the care and continuity behind the Sidney Sussex College grounds. I wanted to acknowledge this quiet dedication by including papercut portraits of the three gardeners I observed, placing them within the King Street landscape they have helped shape over decades. There’s almost something Biblical about their stories, spanning generations, about how they’ve tended daily to the gardens, season in, season out.”
Susy Snow
Working in a bright, whimsical illustrative style, Susy’s contribution celebrates the social life and character of King Street. Her imagery weaves together food, conversation and local traditions, with subtle nods to historic figures and institutions connected to the area. Playful details and visual storytelling invite viewers to linger and uncover the street’s layered past.
“In my piece I explored Cambridge’s lively food scene and the rich social history of King Street, including the famous pub crawl ‘the King Street Run’. I wanted to capture the street’s charm and character, with subtle references to Henry Folland aviation design (a former King Street resident and aviation designer) and Sidney Sussex College, through its crest and iconic wisteria, are woven into the work as a celebration of the street’s layered history”.
Melissa Lhoirit
Melissa’s bold, illustrative approach captures the movement and atmosphere of King Street and its surroundings. Drawing together nature, architecture and everyday encounters, her scenes reflect the energy of the area - from riverside wildlife to moments of gathering, travel and connection.
“I selected subjects that reflect the atmosphere of King Street and its surroundings, bringing together heritage, nature and everyday life. The nearby river introduces swans and herons, alongside scenes of punting and passing cyclists, while back on King Street the Wesley Methodist Church and friends gathering at the Locker Café anchor the work in daily experience. Together, these elements form a portrait of the area as a lively and welcoming environment.”
Why is this project important?
The mural reflects what can happen when local businesses, artists and institutions come together with a shared vision. It not only celebrates the creativity and history that make King Street and Cambridge distinctive but also helps create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and traders. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the public on this project, highlighting the value of investing in collaborative projects like this in the future.
Jenny Granshaw, Head of Projects & Development at Cambridge BID said:
“The King Street Mural is a project we’re proud of and a great example of what a Business Improvement District can do. Our role is to listen to local businesses and turn their feedback into practical projects that improve trading and the area itself. The idea came from a conversation with the owner of D’Arry’s, who felt King Street was seen as being beyond the city centre boundary and didn’t get as much footfall as elsewhere. When we spoke to other businesses, they agreed the street would benefit from something eye-catching to draw people in and show there’s more to discover. Sidney Sussex College have been involved from the outset, as the mural decorates their private property. We have really valued the collaborative and open spirit they brought to the project, including meeting the artists at the workshop day and helping Darin Mount to connect with their gardening team as research for his piece. King Street feels like it’s enjoying a real revival, with new businesses moving in alongside the long-established traders that give the street their character and identity. So far the mural has been well received, and people love seeing local artists celebrated and the city reflected in the artwork”.
