Local up-and-coming artist Bekki Steele has completed the painting of a mural at John Kyrle High School this week. She was asked to paint the piece by R.E. teacher Nick Wardale, who taught her Ethics and Philosophy at A-Level, and encouraged her in her ambition to become an illustrator.

The mural was painted on the exterior of the Religious Studies building, and depicts various religious symbols and iconic images from both ethics and philosophy. Bekki says that she took her inspiration from the 'Garden of Eden'; using lilies, roses and other flowers to form the bottom half of the mural. She then built up layers of symbols from numerous world religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, as well as symbols of science and evolution. The whole work took around a week to complete.

Bekki was assisted by fifteen year old pupil Niamh Compton, who dedicated a week of her Easter holiday to helping with the painting. She is studying art at the school, and will now be able to include the piece in her GCSE coursework.

The pair say they are extremely pleased with the finished result, and are very excited for the pupils to see it when they return after the Easter break.

Bekki has also been responsible for several other murals in the town, including those in the Y-Zone and on Edde Cross Street. She hopes to make a career in mural painting and illustration once finishing university.

If you would be interested in commissioning or purchasing a piece of artwork, you can contact Bekki on 07576 580 524, at [email protected]">[email protected], or via her Facebook page 'Bekki Steele: Art Work'.