The 10-metre by three-metre mural, created by Suffolk artist Maddie Willis, is now on display at The Beach in Ipswich’s Buttermarket shopping centre, forming the colourful backdrop to the centre’s indoor sandpit attraction.
The centre commissioned the artwork after a public call for a mural artist on social media.
Maddie Willis, who responded to the call, has a background in oil painting, embroidery, drawing, and visual documentation.
Maddie Willis with the mural (Image: Submitted)
Rebecca Bird, centre manager at Buttermarket, Ipswich, said: “Maddie has been absolutely fantastic to work with from start to finish.
“She immediately understood exactly what the space needed and transformed our vision into something truly special.
“We couldn’t be happier with the result – it’s bright, engaging, and brings so much life to our indoor beach.”
Following a visit to the site, Ms Willis developed and presented her design, which was approved immediately.
Maddie Willis with the mural (Image: Submitted)
She completed the mural freehand in the week leading up to the beach launch.
The mural features bold colours, playful sea creatures, and light-hearted seagulls, and has already proved popular with families as a ‘summer selfie wall.’
The Beach at Buttermarket is open daily from 10am to 4pm during the summer holidays until Sunday, August 30.
Admission is free and families are encouraged to visit, enjoy the sandpit, and take photos in front of Ms Willis’ beach mural.
The mural not only sets a joyful tone for the event but also provides the perfect summer ‘selfie wall’ for families taking photos at the beach.
More of Ms Willis’ work can be viewed at www.madsart.co.uk or on Instagram @maddiewillisart.