Plymouth Artist Behind City’s Colourful Murals Returns to Restore Popular Bee Subway. What was once just another dark concrete underpass has become one of Chaddlewood’s most recognisable public spaces and now the artist behind it is bringing it back to life once again.
Plymouth mural artist Eloise Johnson, better known through her business Mrs Murals, is currently restoring the popular bee themed subway artwork in Chaddlewood after years of weather and wear began fading parts of the paintings.
The colourful murals, filled with bees, flowers and nature inspired designs, were originally created as part of a wider community project aimed at brightening the area and making the subways feel more welcoming for residents walking through them each day.
Now, the artwork is receiving a fresh new lease of life.
Over the past few years, Mrs Murals has become one of Plymouth’s most recognisable public artists, creating large scale artwork for businesses, community groups, schools and public spaces across the city and beyond.
But mural painting is far more than simply putting paint on a wall.
Outdoor artwork has to survive harsh weather, damp conditions, fading sunlight and constant public use all while remaining bold enough to completely transform the feel of a space.
That challenge has become part of the success behind Mrs Murals’ growing business.
After studying Fine Art, Eloise Johnson gradually built the company through independent commissions and community projects, turning creative work into a full time professional business focused on large scale murals and public artwork.
Across Plymouth, her work has helped turn plain walls and overlooked areas into colourful landmarks people actually stop to notice.
The Chaddlewood bee murals remain among her best known projects because of the impact they had locally. What was once an ordinary subway became something brighter, more memorable and far more welcoming for the people using it every day.
Restoring the murals now means carefully repairing damaged sections, refreshing faded colours and preserving artwork many residents have grown attached to over the years.
As Plymouth continues investing in public spaces and regeneration, artists like Mrs Murals are increasingly becoming part of how communities reshape and redefine the city around them.
And in Chaddlewood, the bees are slowly returning to full colour once again.
Have you seen the bee subway murals in Chaddlewood or spotted any other Mrs Murals artwork around Plymouth?
Photographs and Video © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post