Whipton’s Community Mural Project - Summer 2026
by Jemima (Whipton Community Builder)
It started with a conversation. Whipton residents were chatting with their Community Builder, Jemima, about the graffiti-covered walls around Whipton and how wonderful it would be to see some of them transformed into beautiful murals.
Artist Pete the Poet was suggested as someone who could help bring the idea to life, having already created wonderful murals in other parts of Exeter. Jemima, connected with Pete, and arranged for him to join residents on a stroll around Whipton.
They identified potential sites and started the process of finding out who owned the walls, seeking permission and working out how to make it happen.
It was clear that this would need a team. So, Jemima took the idea to local groups, inviting people to join in and help with everything from preparing walls to seeking permissions. A wonderful group came together and the Whipton Community Mural Project was created.
The first mural was painted on a wall on Whipton Village Road and received some lovely feedback. Next came the electricity substation near the entrance to the path leading to St Katherine’s Priory. The community were invited to get involved and add to the murals and so many people contributed.
Local people were delighted: “We always say how awful it looks – such an eyesore and now it’s just absolutely beautiful and we’ll feel so happy every time we walk past and see our bees.”
“Wow! I love this – it’s going to make this place feel so much better, uplifted and cared for.”
The steps connecting Pinhoe Road and Whipton Road were next. Children from Vranch House School, were invited to get involved and came and added to the mural.
One member of the mural project, Stephanie, shared this beautiful reflection on her experience: “I have had such a lovely time this week helping with the painting of this mural along Pinhoe Road, Exeter, transforming some dowdy steps. I am no artist but I was able to contribute my own ideas and be left to add my own designs and colours under the guidance of artist Pete the Poet. Truly my mind was in a happy place as I painted.
It was also so lovely to meet with all those who joined in, often people who were just passing but who came to add their own touches, and the cars that passed and honked their appreciation. Something so simple to do really and it has never before crossed my mind to paint a mural but I cannot begin to describe how the mural itself and my involvement has lifted my spirits.
I was beginning to feel I could not cope with the sadness of today’s world but I realise I just need times of grounding and connection such as this provided.
Lovely to meet up too with some of the children from Vranch House School. Thank-you so much to Jemima Moore Community Builder for whisking me into groups I would have never thought of joining. Thank-you to Pete too for being both welcoming and inspirational.”
The final mural of the Summer was at the Redlands Close garages. When Pete was unable to continue with this last project, two members of the group, Alison and Susan, stepped forward, supported by others, to prepare the walls and complete the painting. It was a wonderful example of local people taking ownership of an idea and carrying it forward together.
The response was enthusiastic, with comments including “My favourite!!”, “Love it. Well done” and “Been watching it grow – brilliant everyone.”
We now have four murals brightening Whipton, each made possible through collaboration, generosity and the willingness of local people to get involved.
Thank you to Exeter City Council for supporting the mural projects through ward grants, to Pete the Poet, to the mural group and everyone who helped prepare, paint, share ideas or simply stop and offer encouragement.
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