A new mural dedicated to the city’s historical connection to water, nature and learning has been unveiled at Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge. 

Jesus Green Lido is run by GLL, the charitable social enterprise that works with Cambridge City Council to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the community. 

The Human Current, by London-based artist Anugrah Mishra, spans 120 square metres of exterior wall, fence and rotundas of the Lido. The artwork captures the joy and energy of swimming, the movement of the human body, and celebrates what the Lido means to the community.

The idea for the mural came from Jesus Green Lido’s assistant manager, Annabel Wright, who wanted to find a positive solution to an ongoing graffiti problem. After researching artists, she connected with Anugrah, who began his artistic journey at Anglia Ruskin University, and the project was commissioned with support from Cambridge City Council. 

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, said: “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 on the mural began on 1 September and was completed by the artist 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."

In the autumn, GLL announced that swim visits to Jesus Green Lido between June and August had reached 61,232, up from 41,880 - a rise of 46.2%.  Boosted by record UK temperatures, it was the busiest summer the Lido has ever seen. As the UK’s biggest provider of swim lessons, with 200,000 people taking part each week, GLL says the rise reflects the renewed national interest in open-water and outdoor swimming, recognised for its huge benefits to health and wellbeing.