A major new public artwork is in place on Ipswich’s iconic Paul’s silo building. The bold and vibrant 29-metre wide by 27-metre art installation commissioned by Ipswich Central, inspired by the award-winning design of local artist Sammi Wong.
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.
Ipswich Central commissioned the work as part of its strategy to deliver creative enhancements across the town centre. The new artwork has been delivered in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, the University of Suffolk and Suffolk New College.
Lee Walker, Chief Executive Officer at Ipswich Central, said: “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 proud to have played a part in bringing this to life.”
“We’re incredibly proud to have brought this vibrant mural to the Paul’s Silo building as a new landmark for Ipswich,” added 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.”
The installation was made possible thanks to permission from Ipswich Borough Council for use of their building to display the canvas for all to enjoy.
Cllr Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “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.”
Artist Sammi Wong, who now works at Suffolk New College, studied at the University of Suffolk. Sammi’s journey from student to staff member and from artistic concept to recognition are powerful examples of what is possible when creativity is nurtured.
Sammi Wong said 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.”
She added: “I really hope that this will inspire other students and potential art students to know that their efforts can elevate to such bigger things!”
Craig Shimmon, Head of Marketing at Suffolk New College, said: "We are incredibly proud of Sammi's involvement in this project and feel very lucky to now have her as part of our team."
Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk added: “Having Sammi’s work displayed here in Ipswich will not only inspire others but act as a showcase for other students and graduates to flourish in their chosen careers.”
John D Edwards, creator of Digby the Octopus is happy to see Digby reimagined in this way and says he is ‘delighted that he will continue to bring a smile to Ipswich’.
The giant work of art is on public display for all to enjoy throughout spring and summer 2025.
Further information:
Ipswich Central is the business improvement district supporting Ipswich town centre businesses. The team run campaigns, events and projects that enhance the town for residents and visitors. They also run the All About Ipswich website and social media channels.
Artist Sammi Wong is a true local talent who studied at the University of Suffolk and now works at Suffolk New College.
Suffolk New College is a further education college in Ipswich offering a diverse range of courses from arts and science to business and technology to cultivate future leaders and innovators.
The University of Suffolk champions transformation and collaboration, offering highly rated teaching and cutting-edge facilities at its campus alongside Ipswich Waterfront.
John D Edwards is the artist behind Digby the blue Octopus, painted on the side of the Paul’s Silo building over ten years ago.
