New stag beetle mural painted at The Hold in Ipswich

London-based artist ATM is behind the eye-catching new artwork

The stag beetle on the side of The Hold
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 8th Jun 2023
Last updated 8th Jun 2023

A renowned street artists has brightened up a wall in Ipswich with his latest work.

London based ATM has painted a giant mural of a stag beetle on the side of The Hold, home to Suffolk Archives.

It's in celebration of efforts to protect the species, which is still relatively common in Suffolk.

ATM used brushes and acrylics rather than traditional spray cans to paint the work over the course of about a week.

Suffolk County Councillor Bobby Bennett said: “We are pleased to have worked with ATM on this unique mural."

"The stag beetle was chosen by Suffolk residents in an online survey and as Ipswich is a stronghold for the stag beetle, it is a perfect fit!

“The mural creates a legacy for our current exhibition, which explores several themes ranging from the natural environment to agricultural change and things that we can all do to slow down climate change and choose environmentally friendly ways of living.”

Emily Shepperson, Exhibition and Interpretation Officer at Suffolk Archives, said:

“Few British insects are quite as impressive and distinctive as the stag beetle, and we are delighted that it was chosen to be the subject of this stunning mural.

"We are now coming to the time of year when stag beetles begin to appear. You can get involved with stag beetle conservation by telling the People’s Trust for Endangered Species when you spot one."

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