Jacob's Ladder Steps, Falmouth University art students mural

Sited along Jacob’s Ladder, the locally renowned area characterised by its set of 111 steep steps that link The Moor to the terraces, the dynamic and colourful artwork is over 50 foot in length.

Mayor of Falmouth Kirstie Edwards, Richard Wilcox Executive Director Falmouth BID with the artist Dave Bain and student volunteers at the brilliant new Jacob's Ladder mural (Image: Toby Weller)

It has been designed in collaboration with Falmouth University art alumni Dave Bain, who is now a successful public space artist based in Bristol.

Falmouth University student volunteers are supporting the large-scale project which has gone on this week under sunny skies, gaining valuable career experience of working within a public, commercial space as well.

The original and vibrant work of art attempts to encapsulate many of the special aspects of Falmouth, with particular reference to that area of the town.

As such, visitors to the site will discover visual references to the Falmouth Packet Ship era, maritime trade, community, music, and art.

Richard Wilcox, Executive Director of Falmouth BID explains: “We wanted to create something creative, colourful, and playful that would really help to lift an area of our special town.

"Furthermore, we were looking to proactively address a site that has experienced anti-social behaviour challenges in respect of graffiti over the past few months.

Mayor of Falmouth Kirstie Edwards, Richard Wilcox Executive Director Falmouth BID with the artist Dave Bain and student volunteers at the brilliant new Jacob's Ladder mural (Image: Toby Weller)

"We feel the artwork that Dave and students from Falmouth University, many of whom are reading for a degree in Art and Illustration, has created is fantastic. It is very much hoped that residents and visitors alike will enjoy a walk to the area, admire the mural and learn a little more about the creative and maritime heritage aspects of our special town”.

Anna Brown, Deputy Director of Marketing and Engagement added: “Falmouth University was delighted to collaborate with the Falmouth BID to support the creation of this new piece of public art.

"It was fantastic that a former student led the project and involved a group of our current undergraduates in producing a mural that celebrates the town and what makes it so special. We know that our student community enormously values living in and being a part of such a fantastic place. We hope the vibrant new painting provides some enjoyment for everyone tackling the climb up Jacob’s Ladder.”

The work is another in a colourful series of public space artworks funded or coordinated by the Falmouth BID that seek to revitalise certain areas of the town.

Last year, a mural undertaken by local artist Holly Astle was unveiled at Lawn Steps, while previous creative pieces have been carried out at Church Street Car Park underpass and Maritime Car Park

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Built in the 1840s, Jacob's Ladder steps were named after Jacob Hamblen, the man who had the steps constructed. Jacob was a builder, tallow chandler and property owner and he had the steps made to enable him to move easily between his business at the bottom and some of his property at the top.

It is now Grade Two listed.

Generations of school children have gone up and down its steps in the past couple of centuries and the steps perform an important link between the upper streets and the centre of the town.