Bristol street artist transforms the home of Gloucestershire cricket

The home of Gloucestershire Cricket has been transformed thanks to a Bristol street artist. Spectators at the Nevil Road entrance to the ground will be able to view the creations of Silent Hobo, who has worked with the Club to bring images of cricket and the city of Bristol to life on six of its large walls.

A giant cricket ball adds a 3D element to the street art that has transformed the County Ground in Bristol. Credit: ITV West Country

A 2.8m diameter yellow cricket ball, featuring the Club crest, is depicted bursting out of the main entrance wall to provide a 3D element to the artworks.

It's part of a major makeover of the County Ground, which builds on the club's yellow and black branding and reflects Bristol's creative heritage.

How many landmarks can you spot? Credit: ITV West Country

The club worked with Visit Bristol to pinpoint the city landmarks to be featured in the artworks.

Bristol-born cricket legend, W G Grace, is one of the stars of the show. Credit: ITV West Country

The murals include a giant depiction of legendary Gloucestershire cricketer WG Grace - who was born in Downend in Bristol in 1848. The all-rounder is the only identifiable player featured. The club wanted to include ordinary people, male and female and young and old, to show how accessible the game is.

The artwork includes everyday cricketers against a backdrop of Bristol landmarks. Credit: ITV West Country

Bristol spray paint artist and illustrator Silent Hobo worked with the club to come up with the designs. The murals took three weeks to complete. He brought in other street artists Cheo and Visual Drop so that it could be ready for England women's T20 match against Australia on 31 July 2019.

All the visuals are Silent Hobo's design, except for the wall of the BS7 gym which is based on site.

You'd be right if you thought this wall was different to the other murals - it's by another Bristol artist, Cheo Credit: ITV West Country

Gloucestershire Cricket hopes that the art will attract a whole new audience to the sport. The club has plenty of fixtures coming up when visitors can come to see the murals and catch a match at the same time.

The following T20 matches will be played at the Bristol County Ground in the coming weeks:

  • Fri 2 August Gloucestershire v Essex, 6.30pm

  • Sun 4 August Gloucestershire v Sussex, 2.30pm

  • Wed 7 August Gloucestershire v Kent, 6.30pm

  • Tue 13 August Western Storm v Loughborough Lightning, 2.30pm

  • Tue 13 August Gloucestershire v Hampshire, 6.30pm

  • Tue 20 August Western Storm v Southern Vipers, 2.30pm

  • Fri 23 August Gloucestershire v Somerset, 6.30pm

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