A soon-to-be-unveiled mural inspired by the work of Philip Henry Gosse is being painted on a wall in Poole town centre.

Work has began on the installation of a "beautiful" public art mural on the side wall of 58 High Street, Poole, facing New Orchard.

Depending on the weather the commission will be completed by Friday, November 18.

It will feature in the style of work by Philip Henry Gosse, who lived in Skinner Street in the 19th Century.

An author and illustrator of natural science books, specialising in marine biology, he is said to be one of the first inventors of the indoor aquarium for the home.

Philip Henry Gosse grew up on Skinner Street in Poole in the 1800s and coined the word ‘aquarium’ after he created and stocked the first public aquarium at the London Zoo in 1853. 

Gosse’s distant relative Cllr Mark Howell, who represents Poole Town ward, will be there to celebrate the new mural. 

During the summer, public consultation was carried out to establish the kind of public art residents want to see – nature and heritage were favoured themes, which informed the choice of mural subject.

Paintshop Studio Ltd based in Kingland Crescent, Poole provided the winning tender for the work that was assessed and judged by a local decision group.

Led by Rick Walker and Sandra Ramos are set to recreate Philip Henry Gosse drawings.

Artist Rick said: “By recreating Gosse’s artworks, as true to his as possible but at a scale they have never been seen before, we’re showing them in an environment that is as alien as they would have appeared to human audiences when first published.” 

Jacqui Rock, Poole BID lead, said: “This has been an exciting project to work on because not only are we bringing accessible art to the high-street, but I am also happy to see that we are working with one of our local businesses from Poole Town.

"The finished piece will also demonstrate the wonderful heritage that Poole has to offer, which will be reflected in the artwork for many years to come."