From street art to storybook: Bristol artist Alex Lucas unveils immersive pond-inspired installation at Quakers Friars

This summer, Bristol’s historic Quakers Friars will be transformed into a joyful, otherworldly escape - as much-loved local artist Alex Lucas unveils Once A Pond A Time, a brand-new public installation created in collaboration with creative producers Bakehouse and Cabot Circus.

Opening Wednesday 23 July, this free-to-access outdoor experience brings together giant sculptures, whimsical creatures, live mural painting and interactive artworks - all inspired by the humble pond and its overlooked magic.

Set against the iconic architecture of Quakers Friars, the space will feature towering lily pads and beetle-benches, a walk-in snail ‘Shell-ter’ and even a tech-enhanced crocodile sculpture hiding among the reeds. Visitors will also find shaded nooks perfect for book lovers, picnic spots and Instagram-ready moments, all wrapped in Alex’s distinctive, character-led aesthetic.

“There’s something gently chaotic and completely fascinating about ponds,” says artist Alex Lucas. “They’re microcosms of life and mystery. I wanted to bring that sense of discovery, humour and beauty into the heart of Bristol - and invite people to play.”

Image - Once A Pond A Time Artist Alex Lucas

Alex Lucas is no stranger to the city’s walls. Her Uncertain World mural remains a landmark at Woodland Road and Park Row, while her bold, surreal style has graced Triodos Bank and the Little Bookshop on Stokes Croft. But Once A Pond A Time is her most ambitious public work to date - blending sculpture, illustration and storytelling into a temporary outdoor gallery open to everyone.

“This is about reimagining what a public space can feel like,” says Kate Statham, Managing Director and Founder at Bakehouse. “It’s about civic joy, about putting art in people’s paths. Whether you're here for five minutes or an afternoon, we hope it sparks a bit of magic.”

The launch day on Wednesday 23 July promises free family activities, live art from Alex, workshops and food and drink pop-ups. The installation will remain open daily throughout the remainder of July and August, evolving with new surprises - from hidden creatures to performance activations - throughout the summer holidays.

The installation is the centrepiece of a summer-long celebration of Quakers Friars, marking the final chapter before a major public realm redevelopment begins.

““Once A Pond A Time is our way of celebrating everything that makes Bristol brilliant,” says Sarah Tinsley, Director of Marketing and Placemaking at Hammerson. “This collaboration with renowned local artist Alex Lucas is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us. We’re reimagining Quakers Friars as a vibrant and playful public space, with plans to invest in the historic Friary building and the area around it. The goal? A creative, welcoming hub for the whole Bristol community. Watch this space!”