The sunken roundabout in the centre of Bristol, known colloquially as the "Bearpit", ran as a creative commons for eight years, during which time local community curated the space as an outdoor gallery, and all were welcome.

For decades the space had been a meeting place for the homeless and the addicted. During this time, the walls became community voice, and a series of extraordinary exhibitions took place; nobody was criminalised for painting on these walls.

In the summer of 2019, Bristol City Council closed the Bearpit and removed all trace of the cultural activity that had taken place over the past eight years. The walls are now all painted in bland colours, covered with a protective coat of anti-graffiti paint.

The area has become part of the "Broadmead Business Improvement District". Hanging baskets are the finishing touch to this makeover.

Scroll through the images to see pictures of the Bearpit and its demise.

This English bone china mug features a drawing of 'Ursa'; the iconic Bristol Bear sculpture and its drawing were created by artist and sculptor Jamie Gillman, and commissioned by the People's Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC).

From her plinth in the Bearpit in the centre of Bristol, and likeness at the end of the M32, Ursa used to welcome thousands of visitors into Bristol every day. Her removal was ordered by Bristol City Council.

The Artist: Jamie Gillman

@jamie_gillman_art

Bearpit Commemorative Plate

Bristol Bear A3 Print

Bearpit Commemorative Mug

Bearpit Bear Signed A2 Screen Print

Hello You!