A major new public artwork has been unveiled today on the side of the Paul’s Silo building at Ipswich Waterfront. This bold and vibrant 29-metre wide 27-metre art installation is inspired by the award-winning design of local artist Sammi Wong.
Commissioned by Ipswich Central, the installation was made possible thanks to permission from Ipswich Borough Council for use of the building to display the canvas for all to enjoy.
Sammi’s original World Illustration Award-winning piece celebrates innovation, history, and community. It's been adapted to retain a key local icon - DiGBY the blue octopus, created by artist John D. Edwards and painted on the side of Paul’s Silo over ten years ago.
Since then, DiGBY has been adopted as Ipswich Borough Council’s recycling mascot, as his tentacles represent the fact that it takes a lot of helping hands to tackle litter.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, says: “We are delighted to support this project by offering the building for this magnificent piece of artwork. It brings a new vibrancy to this area of the Waterfront and demonstrates the power of creativity.”
Ipswich Central, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Ipswich, commissioned the work as part of its strategy to deliver creative enhancements across the town centre. The project was delivered in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, the University of Suffolk and Suffolk New College.
Lee Walker, Chief Executive Officer at Ipswich Central, says: “Public art has the power to shape the way people feel about a place. This new art installation is not only a visual transformation of a grey space, but a celebration of local talent and effective partnership working.”
“We’re incredibly proud to have brought this vibrant mural to the Paul’s Silo building as a new landmark for Ipswich,” adds Steve Flory, Chair of Ipswich Central. “This piece celebrates local creativity on a huge scale for all to see. It’s a symbol of what positive collaboration can achieve for the benefit of the town.”
Artist Sammi Wong says of the finished piece: “I’m absolutely delighted to see my design come to life in such a powerful way. It’s been amazing to watch something that started as a conceptual design for a university degree module has become a large-scale feature of the town I love.
“I really hope that this will inspire other students and potential art students to know that their efforts can elevate to such bigger things!”
DiGBY’s creator John D. Edwards, is happy to see the blue octopus reimagined in this way and says he is “delighted that he will continue to bring a smile to Ipswich”.
The new work of art will be on public display for all visitors to the Waterfront to enjoy throughout spring and summer 2025.