A large-scale mural inspired by Surprised! (Tiger in a Tropical Storm) has been unveiled in Camden, signalling the start of an ambitious nationwide initiative by the National Gallery in collaboration with Global Street Art. The 40 square metre hand-painted work, located on Jamestown Road not far from London Zoo, reimagines Henri Rousseau’s iconic 1891 jungle scene at a monumental scale.
The mural is the first in Murals reMastered, a project that will see some of the National Gallery’s greatest paintings recreated across towns and cities throughout the UK. Spanning more than 700 years of painting, the initiative aims to place historic artworks within everyday environments, encouraging new ways of encountering them outside of the traditional museum space. Future murals are planned for sites including Brent Cross Town and Carnaby Street in London, as well as retail destinations across the country, with further installations expected to roll out during spring 2026.
Developed by a team of contemporary mural artists, the project builds on previous public art initiatives by the National Gallery and reflects an ongoing effort to widen access to its collection. By transforming canonical paintings into large-scale works in the urban landscape, Murals reMastered seeks to connect audiences with art in more immediate ways.
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, noted: “By bringing some of the world’s greatest paintings onto UK streets, neighbourhoods and everyday public spaces, we hope to spark curiosity, conversation and connection – reaching audiences who may never have encountered these works before.”
The mural is on view at 267 Camden High St (Jamestown Road), London NW1 7BX.
National Gallery, London
