Street art of Freddie the seal spotted in Kingston

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter

27th Apr 2021 | Local News

A mural of a celebrity Thames seal who tragically died last month after being attacked by a dog at Hammersmith Bridge was spotted in Kingston yesterday.

The painting shows the grey harbour seal, known as 'Freddie Mercury', looking thoughtful in the sun-dappled river where he used to swim.

It is located on a wall by Turks Pier on Kingston riverside and appears to be the work of prolific London street artist Paul Don Smith, as it bears his signature.

Similar murals of Freddie have also been spotted in Surbiton and opposite the Thames island Raven's Ait.

The one-year-old seal pup originally from Holland was a regular in the South-West London stretch of the Thames during his short life.

He endeared himself to towpath walkers and boaters with his friendly manner and river antics, including an escapade which saw him have to be rescued from Teddington Lock back in February.

Last month, Freddie came to national attention when he was mauled by an out-of-control dog at Hammersmith Bridge, leaving him seriously wounded.

Sadly the extent of his injuries meant he had to be put down the day after the attack.

Last week, a justgiving page raised over £10,000 for the charities which rescued and treated Freddie.

What do you think of Freddie's mural? Let us know!

     

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