A new mural celebrating the legacy of Newquay's Women's Institute has been officially unveiled on the exterior wall of the Newquay WI Hall on Manor Road. The artwork, created by Irish muralist Shauna Anseo, prominently features Lady Molesworth-St Aubyn, the founder of the local WI branch, alongside a reimagined version of the organization's historic banner. This installation marks the second of three street artworks funded by Cornwall Council and represents a key addition to the Newquay Business Improvement District's growing Love Newquay Mural Trail. The initiative is specifically designed to boost community engagement and extend visitor interest beyond the traditional summer tourism months.
The mural showcases Lady Molesworth-St Aubyn in vibrant colors, digitally rendered from an original black-and-white photograph housed in the prestigious National Portrait Gallery. Above her portrait, a bold banner declares "Newquay WI, Inspiring Women since 1918," commemorating more than a century of women's community leadership in the coastal town. Surrounding the central figures are carefully chosen local references that ground the artwork in Newquay's unique heritage. These include depictions of pilchards—the small fish that once formed the backbone of the town's fishing industry—and the iconic Huer's Hut, a historic lookout used by fish spotters to signal shoals to waiting fishermen below.
The Love Newquay Mural Trail represents a strategic economic and cultural development project aimed at transforming the town center into an open-air gallery. Each large-scale artwork is accompanied by a QR code that directs visitors to the official Love Newquay website, where they can access detailed information about the piece, its artist, and its historical significance. The trail's first mural, featuring giant beach balls, was unveiled earlier this year, and the third and final funded piece is expected to be completed in the coming months. The Cornwall Council's investment reflects a broader commitment to supporting creative placemaking initiatives that celebrate local identity while generating measurable economic returns through increased foot traffic and extended visitor stays.
The Newquay branch of the Women's Institute holds particular historical significance as one of the earliest chapters established in Cornwall, founded in the immediate aftermath of World War I when women's community organizations were expanding rapidly across Britain. Lady Molesworth-St Aubyn, as the branch's founder, played a pivotal role in creating a space where local women could gather for education, activism, and mutual support during a transformative period in British social history. The decision to honor her specifically reflects a growing recognition of women's often-overlooked contributions to community building and civic life in coastal communities like Newquay, which have traditionally been portrayed through masculine narratives of fishing and mining.
Mark Warren, manager of Newquay BID, reports that the murals have received "very positive" feedback from both residents and tourists since the project's inception. The initiative addresses a critical challenge for seasonal economies like Newquay's: maintaining vibrancy and economic activity during the shoulder seasons when beach tourism declines. By creating compelling reasons for visitors to explore the town center year-round, the BID hopes to support local businesses and foster a deeper appreciation for Newquay's cultural heritage. The project has already demonstrated success in encouraging visitors to spend more time in the downtown area, with local merchants noting increased inquiries about the artworks and the stories they tell.
Looking ahead, Newquay BID remains committed to expanding the mural trail well beyond the initial three pieces funded by Cornwall Council. Warren emphasized that the organization is actively seeking new wall spaces and fresh artistic concepts to continue the momentum over the next five years. The long-term vision includes establishing Newquay as a recognized destination for street art enthusiasts while ensuring that each new piece authentically represents some aspect of the town's diverse community, history, or natural environment. Community input will remain central to the selection process, ensuring the trail reflects the values and stories that matter most to Newquay's residents.
