Wow! Gorillas 1

A week ago Bristol Zoo unleashed a band of gorillas across the length and breadth of the city. You can read all about this exciting project here, so I won't repeat the story here.

They're here until the beginning of September and my summer project is to track down and photograph each and every one of them.


I'm starting with the nearest to where I live. His/her name is Suebo. S/he was painted by Cheo and is one of two gorillas sponsored by the North Street Traders.

I'm very proud of our North Street Traders for having decided to take part in this project. Given the recession/credit crunch, or whatever you like to call it, and the prospect of the largest Sainsburys in the southwest at Ashton Gate, just round the corner, it's crucial not only that we support our local independent traders, but that we work together to make our area a better place in which to live. The recent Upfest weekend and now the Wow! Gorillas (two life size and three mini ones sponsored by three local schools) have brightened up the street and brought smiles to the faces of the residents. That can't be a bad thing. Incidentally Cheo is the street artist who painted one of the shutters on the Rare butchers.

Suebo is positioned adjacent to North Street Green, site of the annual BOB (Best of Bedminster) Show. It's opposite Paper Village, a vertable Aladdin's cave for artists and crafters and the venue for a range of workshops.

I love the colours on Suebo and those funny googly eyes!