Painted bollards on Whitehouse Lane: A lasting tribute to Marcus Willcocks’ legacy of kindness, creativity and community
A striking stretch of hand-painted bollards along Whitehouse Lane now stands as a vibrant tribute to the late Marcus Willcocks, an esteemed urban designer, researcher, and deeply compassionate Windmill Hill community member, whose final weeks were spent thinking not of himself, but of how to make his neighbourhood a better, brighter place.
The installation, which builds on previous bollard artworks on East Street by artist Hasan Kamil (aka The Hass), was carried out in line with Marcus’s heartfelt wish to soften the impact of more than 300 newly installed black bollards and to uplift the experience of walking & cycling through the area.
The project was funded by MyMural and Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, at the personal request of Marcus, who passed away from leukaemia shortly after proposing the idea. Upfest, who managed the original East Street installation, donated additional time and materials to the initiative to enable 122 of the bollards to be painted and maximise its visual impact. With the artist’s blessing, the Upfest production team followed a design brief from Hasan Kamil to respectfully continue his original concept along Whitehouse Lane.
Stephen Hayles, Co-founder of Upfest explains;
“Three weeks before he passed, Marcus reached out from hospital to propose the idea. Marcus’s humility and focus on others, even in the final days of his life, struck a deep chord with those who knew him. He understood that small changes in the urban environment could create moments of joy, reflection and connection. For him, this wasn’t about bollards. It was about people, place and the everyday journey.”
Marcus was a Research Fellow at University of the Arts London (UAL) and Senior Urban Designer with Sustrans, with decades of international experience exploring how creative interventions in public spaces can support active travel, build social connection and foster safer, more inclusive environments.
This project has had a visible and emotional resonance within the local community. During installation, residents stopped to express thanks. One parent commented how it brightens their daily walk to nursery; an elderly neighbour was moved to tears, having heard Marcus was behind the idea.
“We love these bollards. Every time I walk with Joel and Ruben near them, it makes us think about Marcus.” said Marta Salva Cifuentes, Marcus’s wife. “We are sure he would have been so happy to see this project coming to life! Thanks Steve, Emma and the team for making it happen!”
“It’s been an emotional process,” said Steve Hayles, founder of Upfest. “Knowing we were able to help bring to life Marcus’s vision and that his two sons will walk past these colours and be reminded of their father’s kindness and creativity, it means a lot to all of us.”
“Marcus was a rare kind of person,” said Lorraine Gamman, Professor at UAL and Director of the Design Against Crime Research Lab. “he had this ability to see both the smallest detail and the bigger picture, and always with a social lens. These painted bollards reflect that beautifully and Marcus’ final message “all that we can really leave behind is love”,”
The team behind the project would like to thank local councillor Ellie Freeman, who acted swiftly to secure approvals so Marcus could be told, before his passing, that the project would go ahead. Bristol City Council’s Regeneration and Highways teams, including Maria Grogan and James Coleman, also offered valuable support in ensuring the installation could take place.
