Portsmouth gets makeover : top 5 street murals in radiant Pompey

Have you ever wondered why the walls and streets of Portsmouth are so decorated? 

Portsmouth’s vibrant street art can be attributed to the Look up street art festival which was hosted in September 2023. 

The event aimed to “support creativity in the city” says Steve Pitt, the Leader of the Portsmouth council. 

During the event 52 volunteers handed out a copy of this map detailing exactly where the artists were painting - the best thing is that this map is still relevant today. This makes a lovely scenic walk in which you can appreciate the local talent that Portsmouth has to offer. 

Some of the notable artists involved in this were: my dog sighs, The London Police, Phlegm and many others. 

Combining the recent transformation of Commercial road and the new, bright, painted walls ; Pompey seems to be getting a makeover.

Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, calls the project "a real boost to the built environment".

Here are some of my favourite pieces of street art which to me are an example of the most beautiful parts of Portsmouth which have recently been refurbished.

1. Cute cuttlefish

I took this photo just as the Sun was setting behind this beautifully painted mural which can be found on the wall of the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery.

I don't have too much of an explanation as to why I love this mural so much. It's just so vibrant and detailed given the small space that it covers. I would consider it a real tucked away beauty and it makes me smile every time that I walk past it.

2. Flower lady

I took this photo whilst waiting for my first-ever tattoo appointment! This mural can be found on a wall next to String of Hearts Tattoo shop.

This mural is the epitome of feminine beauty. No other explanation is needed really as I feel that the picture speaks for itself. I love the contrast of the pinks and blues. It also washed me over with a feeling of calm which was much-needed before my appointment.

3. Astoria eye

This mural can be found on the side of the student's favourite, Astoria nightclub.

This is the showstopper. I mean, look at the sheer size of it. It catches your eye from across the street. It also captures the student nightlife and community that has been built within Portsmouth. The party in the middle of the eye is a beautiful representation of the bustling student life here.

4. Mary Rose Mural

This photo features my lovely flatmate Emma.

I love this portrayal of a vital piece of Portsmouth history, the recovery of the Mary Rose ship in 1981. Seven hundred crew members are said to have drowned when she sank which is devastating. I feel that the mural captures the emotion behind this extremely well.

5. Purple eyes

I took this photo in one of my first few weeks in Portsmouth whilst on a walk.

I love how this mural is integrated into the architecture of the building so seamlessly. It is a lovely pop of colour which to me isn't too in your face. I also love the natural elements and vines it uses which works well with how the art is embedded into the wall.