A stunning mural inspired by Newquay’s historic fishing industry is wowing locals and visitors alike in the Cornish town.

Even more impressive, the artist behind it is just 20 years old.

The painting, covering the entire end of wall of a house in Fore Street, is in the style of the ‘old masters’ and features a fisherman tying nets by candlelight.

It was inspired by photographs from Newquay Museum and Archive, and is the second of a number of murals forming part of MUQY, by Slapdash Studio. It has been commissioned by Experience Newquay and in collaboration with Newquay BID - a project from Cornwall Council, aiming to revitalise the town’s high street.

The artist behind the work is Elle Koziupa, who specialises in ‘photo-realism’.

Despite her age, Elle already has an impressive portfolio, working on large-scale mural projects nationally.

Read more about Elle and her work here: Meet the 20-year-old artist behind Newquay's stunning fisherman mural

The 'old masters' style mural in Fore Street (Image: Dicky Souray @JointheGroundswell) The mural has been kept hidden from view under scaffolding until completion this week, but is now fully visible and has received rave reviews, with people describing it online as ‘fabulous’, ‘amazing’ and ‘absolutely stunning’.

A rubbish bin that had previously been obscuring part of the mural has also now been moved so people can fully appreciate the artwork. 

There are now two murals in place in the MUQY Street Art Walking Trail, with more to follow. Newquay BID is also seeking additional walls for next year.

The first mural is on MIX NQY’s wall on East Street. Overseen by Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studio and created by Cornwall-based artist Kleiner Shames, using ideas generated at a workshop hosted by Youth Art Connect, it captures an abstract beach scene.

The first mural shows an abstract beach scene (Image: Mike Searle) Experience Newquay is funding the project, which is being led by Jack alongside Dirk Parker, who is a BID board member, active Newquay Town Team member and a local business owner.

Together, they identified the opportunity to use street art to communicate Newquay’s unique heritage and identity and improve the high street.

Dirk said: “This is a project that Jack Tierney and I organised and successfully applied for grant funding from Experience Newquay. It is a multi-stage project that will brighten up the town centre whilst creating a free walking tour that will be hosted on Love Newquay’s website.”

Jack Tierney Slapdash Studio, Dirk Parker BID Board member, Cllr Gardener Cornwall Council, Mark Warren Newquay BID and Kleiner Shames, artist (Image: Newquay BID) The third mural from 45 RPM is being painted in November to coincide with the Be Newquay Festival. During the festival, all three murals will be connected as part of the free Street Art Walking Trail.

Additionally, street art workshops and activities will be available for those who want to have a go.

The Be Newquay Festival will feature a variety of events produced by local organisations. The month-long celebration will take place on weekends in November at different venues across the town.

Weekend highlights will include Alma Winter Arts Weekend, Groundswell’s Cream of Cornish Weekend, Trenance Cottages’ Trees and Tales, and To The Moon and Back by GRIT Productions.