A new mural celebrating Cambridge’s long-standing ties to water, community, and recreation has been unveiled at Jesus Green Lido.
Titled The Human Current, the artwork covers 120 square metres of wall, fence, and rotundas, and is thought to be the largest mural in the city. Created by London-based artist Anugrah Mishra, the piece portrays swimming, movement, and the connection between residents and the river, reflecting both energy and local heritage.
The project was initiated by Jesus Green Lido assistant manager Annabel Wright as a creative response to persistent graffiti. She identified Mishra, who began his artistic career at Anglia Ruskin University, and worked with Cambridge City Council to secure commissioning support.
Annabel Wright said: “The path next to the Lido is always busy and, over time, the walls had become a favourite spot for graffiti. We thought: why not turn it into a space for art that everyone can enjoy? We reached out to Anugrah in June and shared his designs with the council, who loved the idea and generously provided the funding to make it a reality.”
Cllr Antoinette Nestor, Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills at Cambridge City Council, added: “Anugrah’s mural has really given a massive lift to this stretch of the river, which is enjoyed by so many walkers, cyclists and boaters every day. Its vibrancy and colour emphasise the role that water plays in making Cambridge the unique place it is – both for those who swim regularly in the city’s pools, and for residents and visitors who enjoy the proximity to our river and waterways as part of their daily life. It was great that we were able to use S106 funding from developers for public art to make this project come to life in a truly collaborative way – as part of a wider art programme involving local young people, called Urban Voices. My thanks and congratulations go out to everyone involved.”
Work began on 1 September and concluded in late November.
Anugrah Mishra said: “Collaborating with Cambridge City Council and GLL on The Human Current has been deeply meaningful, as Cambridge is where my artistic journey first began. I wanted the mural to capture the joy and energy of swimming while reflecting the city’s heritage through flowing figures, water symbolism, and historical references. By blending these elements with the Lido’s own colours, my aim was to create a landmark that connects people to both their community and the long-standing tradition of water in Cambridge life.”
Mishra, who won the Freelands Painting Prize in 2024, is recognised for blending classical artistic influences with symbolic storytelling. His work frequently explores themes of memory, human vulnerability, and resilience. He has exhibited widely across the UK, with features in publications such as Aatanou Magazine and the Freelands Foundation catalogue.
Before focusing on large-scale public art, Mishra worked within established institutions including The Heong Gallery and the Fitzwilliam Museum. His academic training at Anglia Ruskin University laid the foundation for a practice that seeks to make painting accessible beyond traditional gallery spaces, with a particular emphasis on community engagement.
The Lido is operated by GLL, a charitable social enterprise partnering with the council to enhance physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
This summer, swim visits to Jesus Green Lido between June and August reached 61,232, up from 41,880 the previous year – a 46.2% increase. Rising UK temperatures contributed to the busiest summer in the Lido’s history. GLL notes this reflects a growing national interest in outdoor swimming, recognised for its health benefits, with 200,000 people participating in their swim lessons each week.
