AN internationally renowned artist from Newquay has created an artwork for the town’s popular mural trail.

Ben Allen has painted a contemporary take of the Polly Joke poppies on the side of Truscotts Fish Bar in Fore Street. He has been using a VR headset to ensure the artwork is as precise as possible and help speed up the painting process.

Ben said: “I was working on a new series of paintings when I was approached about taking part in the mural trail, I thought it could work well.

“This mural is my abstract celebration of the vibrant poppy fields and wild beauty that surround Newquay. It brings colour and nature into the town environment.

“Inspired by Cornwall’s natural energy I wanted to bring that same sense of life, movement, and colour into the urban landscape, transforming walls into living canvases that reflect the freedom and vitality of nature.

“Through layers of bold colour, texture, and form, the piece invites people to pause, look closer, and reconnect with the natural world that inspires us all. It’s about bringing beauty back into everyday spaces and reminding us that art and nature can thrive side by side.”

The poppy artwork is the seventh installation in the Newquay Mural Trail, which aims to encourage visitors and residents alike to explore town’s streets, discover hidden corners, and enjoy art in everyday spaces.

The project is being led by curator Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studios.

Jack said: “It’s a contemporary pop art style of the poppies at Polly Joke, which nicely ties in with the building marking the start of the annual Newquay remembrance parade.

“Di and Alan Truscott have been really lovely and a pleasure to work with during the project. This mural is particularly fantastic as it can be seen from miles down the road.

“It’s a great location as it’s a big building that is broad and brings new life to the area. I think this mural is going to be a popular one.”

The poppy artwork is the first of three new murals being created as part of the artwork trail after Newquay BID was awarded additional funding from the Town Regeneration and Investment Programme. The project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The funding was allocated through Cornwall Council’s Town Regeneration and Investment Programme, which is part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

The other new murals are likely to be created at the WI Hall on Crantock Street and along the side of Newquay Post Office in East Street.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren said: “We’re so pleased to have secured this additional funding to continue the mural project.

“It’s really making our town stand out from the rest, and we have so many more plans to build on this success and drive year-round footfall throughout our amazing town.”

Jack added: “We’re really excited to be able to produce another three fantastic murals to add to the ever-growing Newquay Mural Trail.

“All these murals have a deep connection to the town, reflecting on Newquay’s rich history as well as its vibrant present-day culture.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing more beauty to the town, and the response we’ve had from everyone has been wonderful.”