During the mid-1980s, Brighton was establishing itself as a key location on the UK street art scene as the phenomenon began to take off in urban areas across the country.

From large murals covering the whole side of a building to more subtle motifs tucked away in alleyways, and telephone junction boxes decorated by Cassette Lord, people are bound to encounter street art in some form or another on a short walk through the city.

Amongst the work adorning the walls and spaces of the city are those by Banksy, Waleska and Vanessa Longchamp. The work of key Brighton street artists, including SNUB, Minty and REQ, can be seen across the city.

Within minutes of arriving in Brighton, visitors can hardly miss the rainbow coloured Prince Albert Pub on Trafalgar Street as they walk down from the station. The side wall of the pub is adorned with REQ’s mural entitled Icons – a giant tribute to some of the biggest names in music. It is also the original location of Banksy’s infamous Kissing Policemen, which is currently displayed in replica form, since the original was sold in 2014.

The narrow streets between Queen’s Road and London Road are some of the best places to see street art; Gloucester Road, Kensington Street, Orange Row, Regent Street and North Road feature numerous wall murals. Other key locations for graffiti artists include The Level skate-park, which has been a hub of artistic activity since the 1980s.

In spite of the local council’s clampdown on tagging during the 1990s, tags and throw ups are still seen frequently today. The authorities have provided some semi-legal locations for artists, too, including the sponsored mural on Kensington Street.

Walk East down Trafalgar Street and turn right into Tidy Street. Continue South along Tidy Street and cross Gloucester Road into Kensington Gardens. You’ll need to bear left slightly before turning to Kensington Gardens. Walk down a little way down on the left side of the street and stop outside number 22.