Saltdean toliet block transformed with colourful mural

The formerly cracked and worn WCs on Saltdean seafront are now alive with colour after artist Sarah Gillings, also known as S.o.S, was commissioned to bring it back to life.

Intricate paintings of butterflies, bumble bees and garden snails now adorn the walls of the block which had become discoloured and weathered after years of neglect.

The design also includes elements of the area, such as species of coastal flowers common in Saltdean.

Saltdean WCs before the rejuvenation. Photo by David Wilson.

Sarah also worked on the Saltdean Tunnel rejuvenation, which was completed in June.

A team of volunteers who worked tirelessly for weeks to repaint railings, powerwash the site, weed the area and more - all in a bid to return the tunnel to its former glory.

Both murals are part of a community-funded regeneration, now in its second phase.

The project hopes to encourage people to experience the outdoors by creating “inspiring and uplifting art and to bring joy and hope to residents and visitors during these uncertain and frightening times”.

After creating a digital vision of the mural, Sarah spray paints freehand before adding layers of waterproof paint and a graffiti-proof wipe-clean covering.

Butterfly painted on the new Saltdean WC mural. Photo by Sarah Gilings.

Sarah said that while battling the autumn elements was at times “nightmarish”, she was proud to be a part of this community project.

She said: “Yet again the residents of Saltdean show us that when you want to get something done, fund it collectively.

“I am so proud that my latest work is bringing such joy to the people passing by.

“Some of the comments just keep me quite warm and fuzzy while I’m painting in the windy elements.

“The area on the cliffs has a wealth of wildlife and seeing small creatures in huge proportions, I hope, will help us consider the environment more.”

“The Saltdean WC mural is now available for all to see, leaving a legacy on Saltdean seafront for the community.”

Painting was carried out whilst adhering to social distancing from the public and to health and safety guidelines.

The Saltdean community, led by local resident David Wilson and Bridget Fishleigh, Brighton & Hove's only independent councilor, set up a crowdfunding page to raise the money for a phased regeneration project that included adding a vibrant mural to the tunnels, a new welcome sign and refurbishing the railings and walls.

£5,800 was raised in just three months with more than 100 people pledging their financial support.

Sarah has encouraged people to send her selfies with both of the murals by tagging on Instagram using @streetartsos and #SaltdeanTunnelMural.