Blue Whale Returns to Leake Street

MARC CRAIG

26 August – 8 September 2025

Leake Street Arches is proud to announce that our Artist in Residence, Marc Craig, has begun work on his most impactful mural yet — a spectacular Blue Whale stretching across the curved ceiling of the Link Tunnel.

Running from 26 August to 8 September 2025, the mural forms part of Craig’s ongoing Ark of Extinction project, a nationwide public art campaign raising awareness of endangered species through large-scale murals.

A Whale Beneath Waterloo

Inspired by the iconic model at the Natural History Museum, this new work immerses visitors beneath one of the largest creatures on Earth while shining a light on the challenges faced by endangered species.

The project follows Craig’s much-loved Max the Virus mural, which became one of the most recognisable backdrops in Leake Street over the past two years, featured in countless dance videos and creative projects.

Thanks to the support of Brandon Hire, who are sponsoring the specialist equipment, visitors will be able to see the whale emerge day by day. The painting process is open to the public between 9am and 5pm daily.

Sian Evans, Asset Management Director at LCR, explains:

“Leake Street has long been a space where important stories are told through street art, and we’re honoured to host this powerful new mural by our Artist in Resident, Marc Craig. We’re proud to continue supporting artists who bring meaning and creativity to this unique space.”

LCR owns and manages Leake Street Arches, ensuring this unique cultural space continues to celebrate creativity and community.

Marc Craig is a London-based multidisciplinary artist known for his instinctive linework and improvisational visual language. Since 2022, he has been the first-ever Artist in Residence at Leake Street Arches, producing workshops, portraits, and large-scale works that combine community engagement with striking visual impact.

In 2024, Craig launched the Ark of Extinction, a mural-driven public art initiative raising awareness of endangered species. Previous works include:

• A three-storey red squirrel mural in Cornwall

• A barn owl mural in Belfast, created with Ulster Wildlife

• A monumental 157-foot basking shark mural in Falmouth

Exhibition Details

• What: Blue Whale ceiling mural by Marc Craig

• When: 26 August – 8 September 2025

• Where: Leake Street Arches, Waterloo Station, London

• Extras: Public graffiti workshops (dates and booking details to follow)

“This project is about more than art. It’s about understanding our connection to the natural world and what we stand to lose,” says Marc Craig. “Through public murals like this, we can spark dialogue, empathy, and hopefully, actionable change.”

The Blue Whale mural is open for all to see as it unfolds — we invite you to visit, take photos, and share your experience as Leake Street becomes home to this extraordinary new work.

THE ARK OF EXTINCTION