A new underpass mural designed by an Art and Design student from Bracknell and Wokingham College has been unveiled to the public in a short ceremony on Friday 26 July.
The mural which depicts a bright Bracknell landscape was designed by Presley Shearer, who is studying a Level 3 Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication Diploma at the college on Church Road.
The mural, painted on the underpass behind Waitrose by students and staff from the college, was opened by Peter Swallow MP, Member of Parliament for Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Whitegrove and Cllr Helen Purnell, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council. Councillor Kathleen Nugent, Bracknell Town Mayor was also present at the ceremony.
Mr Swallow, Cllr Purnell and Bina Howard, Curriculum Manager of Createch at Activate Learning all gave speeches during the ceremony.
The morning before the ceremony, members of the community were invited to paint a small flower on the mural.
The project was devised by Mr Swallow, who has been working with the college since November 2025.
Students were asked to design a mural which celebrated Bracknell’s diversity, hospitality and pride in the UK and incorporate the union flag to promote pride and inclusivity rather than division.
The final design below was chosen in May, by senior leadership at the college, Mr Swallow and Cllr Helen Purnell.
Presley said: “It’s amazing to see a little drawing now up on a ginormous wall, it’s very surreal for me.
“It’s lovely seeing so many people here adding to the mural themselves, because that’s what the mural depicts, all these different people coming together and working on something. It’s so similar to what I’m seeing now in the real world and there’s something very special about that.
“I was great to have my idea chosen. The mural is a big landscape full of a variety of different people and different Bracknell landmarks. Its silhouette based but I tried to capture something very familiar to people.
“It helped me learn how to collaborate and take on board feedback in art projects.”
Peter Swallow MP, Member of Parliament for Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Whitegrove, said: “It’s so special to see the mural revealed. This project has involved so many people coming together. Bracknell is a vibrant community and that’s what this mural represents.
“Bracknell Forest’s community spirit is truly unbeatable. This mural celebrates everything that makes our town such a wonderful place to live, our diversity, our pride and our incredible community groups and young people.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has come together to make this project such a success. In particular, we’d like to thank Daler Rowney for generously providing paint and brushes, and Bracknell and Wokingham College, whose talented students designed and sketched this fantastic mural.”
Cllr Helen Purnell, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “I think the mural is stunning. It brightens up what was once a dark underpass.
“Not only do I love the artwork done by Presley, but also that individual members of the community and community groups including the Brownies and the Bracknell Parent Carer Forum, who have added their own stamp to it, which will bring so much pride to them.
“The mural encapsulates the council’s Community Strategy perfectly, as it’s designed by the community for the community, with painting supplied by local company, Daler Rowley.
“It’s better than I imagined, and I look forward to future projects.”
Sue Dew-Gosling, Creative Arts Lecturer at Activate Learning, said: “The new mural designed by Presley, one of our talented art students, looks great! This project represents not only a creative achievement, but also a meaningful contribution to our local community.
“From initial concept sketches to the final painted surface, the project has offered hands-on experience in large-scale public art, teamwork, and community engagement.
“We hope the mural will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”
Find out about our Art, Design and Digital Creative pathways at Bracknell and Wokingham College or contact us on 0800 612 6008.
