Street artist ATM creates new Ipswich mural at The Hold

First published by Suffolk County Council

A nationally renowned street artist has painted a giant mural of a stag beetle on the garden wall of The Hold in Ipswich.

ATM, whose work usually features wildlife, was invited to create the mural by Suffolk Archives. The subject of the mural was chosen by the results of a public online survey and the unmistakable stag beetle topped the poll.

Stag beetles are facing serious decline across Europe, but Ipswich is a stronghold for our largest and most conspicuous terrestrial beetle.

ATM painted the mural over the course of a week using brushes and acrylics rather than traditional urban spray cans.

The mural provides a permanent legacy for Suffolk Archives’ latest exhibition ‘Suffolk’s Green Story: Reflect | Learn | Act’, which looks at Suffolk’s environment past and present, the changes and challenges impacting the local area today and what we can do to make a difference. The exhibition runs until Sunday 18 June 2023 at The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront. Entry is free and open to all ages.

Loss of habitat is the main threat to stag beetles. They need dead wood to survive, as their larvae spend from 3 - 7 years feeding on it, specifically oak, before emerging as adults. Suffolk Wildlife Trust advises that wherever possible, dead stumps are retained, and additional habitat is provided by burying logs vertically in the ground to create steppingstones for stag beetles to move to new egg-laying sites.

“We are pleased to have worked with ATM on this unique mural. The stag beetle was chosen by Suffolk residents in an online survey and as Ipswich is a stronghold for the stag beetle, it is a perfect fit! “The mural creates a legacy for our current exhibition, which explores several themes ranging from the natural environment to agricultural change and things that we can all do to slow down climate change and choose environmentally friendly ways of living.” - Cllr Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities, said:

Emily Shepperson, Exhibition and Interpretation Officer at Suffolk Archives, said:

“Few British insects are quite as impressive and distinctive as the stag beetle, and we are delighted that it was chosen to be the subject of this stunning mural. We are now coming to the time of year when stag beetles begin to appear. You can get involved with stag beetle conservation by telling the People’s Trust for Endangered Species when you spot one. Take part in the Great Stag Hunt - Stag Beetles (ptes.org).”

The Hold’s exhibition programme includes:

Exhibition Curator Tours, February to June, £5/ £4

Go beyond the displays with a special tour from our exhibition team. Find out more, hear new stories, and ask your burning questions. Alternate Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the exhibition run. Ticket includes tour and exhibition admission. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for dates.

Suffolk’s Green Story: Reflect | Learn | Act runs until Sunday 18 June 2023 at The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront. Entry is free and open to all ages.

Exhibition opening times are 9:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday, with late opening until 9pm on Thursdays. 10:00am - 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

You can book free tickets for the Suffolk’s Green Story: Reflect | Learn | Act exhibition by visiting: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk. Alternatively just turn up and depending on the capacity of the exhibition gallery you will be admitted as soon as possible.

The events accompanying the exhibition are ticketed and can be booked in advance by visiting: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk. The Café at The Hold is also open daily for visitors to drop in for refreshments.