Go With the Flow: Transforming Newcastle’s Quayside Through Movement and Collaboration
In 2025, The London Mural Company returned to Newcastle’s Quayside to deliver another ambitious large-scale ground mural, Go with the Flow, commissioned by NE1 and curated by UNIT44 Gallery.
Designed by Portuguese artist duo Halfstudio, the project transformed a former bus lane into a 90-metre canvas of colour, rhythm and bold typographic movement, inviting the public not just to observe the artwork, but to walk directly through it.
‘We wanted to create something that feels rooted in the city, something that moves with it rather than just sitting in place. The River Tyne, the bridges, the rhythm of the area all shaped the mural. It’s about flow, change, and how Newcastle keeps moving forward together.” - Half Studio
This wasn't the first time that we had collaborated with Unit 44 and NE1, in 2024 we collaborated with Sheffield based Artist Andy Welland to reimagine the space with his piece ‘Lose ends 300” More information here
A Canvas Beneath Your Feet
Unlike traditional vertical murals, Go with the Flow unfolds horizontally, stretching across the ground and shifting perspective as you move. Inspired by the flow of the River Tyne and the industrial heritage of the city, the sweeping forms and graphic lines echo the rhythm of Newcastle itself, fluid, resilient and constantly evolving.
Murals installed on the floor demand a different kind of thinking. They must be legible from height yet immersive at street level. They must withstand weather, footfall and time. Delivering work at this scale requires meticulous preparation, precision layout and a deep understanding of materials, all while staying faithful to the artist’s original intent.
Working closely with Portuguese visual Artists Halfstudio throughout the production process, we were reminded how powerful collaboration can be when creative vision and technical execution align. Their concept was bold and dynamic; our role was to ensure every line, curve and colour landed exactly as imagined.
Supporting Artists at Scale
At TLMC, we see ourselves not simply as installers, but as creative partners. Our approach remains the same: support the artist, protect the integrity of the work, and deliver with precision.
Projects of this scale are never solo efforts. They are built on communication, trust, and shared excitement as a concept moves from drawing board to concrete.
This collaborative approach is something our curatorial partners value deeply, particularly when it comes to pushing creative ideas further than initially imagined.
“For us the projects have far wider scope in the curation phase purely from the confidence built in working with the London Mural Company. Being able to dream bigger has really elevated these works to a higher level.” - Danny Hughes, Director of Unit44.
A Shared Space Reimagined
Once complete, Go with the Flow quickly became more than a painted surface. It became a meeting point. A photo backdrop, a route with personality.
By annually continuing to transform the former bus lane into a vibrant landmark, the mural demonstrates how colour and creativity can reshape the way people move through a city. It encourages pause within motion. A moment of reflection within the everyday flow.
And perhaps that’s what makes the Quayside programme so powerful. It doesn’t just decorate space; it activates it.
Looking Ahead
Projects like Go with the Flow reaffirm why we do what we do. They challenge us technically, creatively and collaboratively. They push the boundaries of where murals can live - not only on walls, but beneath our feet.
If you’re inspired by Go with the Flow and want to explore how bespoke mural art can elevate your space, get in touch - we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
