A Touch of TLC for Cheltenham’s Elephant Mosaics

Monday September 1, 2025

Cheltenham’s much-loved Elephant Mural mosaics on Grosvenor Place South have received a welcome restoration, bringing a vibrant piece of the town’s public art back to life.

Created in 1993 by Cheltenham-based artists Tim Turton and Nick Robertson, the five mosaic panels capture a quirky moment in local history when three elephants caused chaos as they made their way down Albion Street. The five panels are pieced together with over 90,000 individual tiles, was originally crafted with the support of mosaic artist Trevor Caley, following the team’s success in a public art competition.

The sequence of five mosaics retells the tale:

• These decorative panels recall the day between the wars when chaos ensued.
• Three elephants musically lumbered along Albion Street, not far from here.
• Nearing the Coliseum Theatre they were enticed by an irresistible aroma.
• Outside Bloodworth’s Corn Merchants their keeper struggled to control his errant charges.
• Amazed Cheltonians and the local constabulary watched with equal alarm and delight.

The newly refreshed panels now bring colour and character back to the walkway between Grosvenor Place South and the High Street, this is a perfect reminder of Cheltenham’s creative spirit and love of storytelling.

Fran Inman, Cheltenham BID Chief Executive, said:

“These mosaics are part of Cheltenham’s cultural DNA. As a BID, we’re committed to enhancing the town centre environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. Restoring the Elephant Mural is just one example of the improvements we’ll continue to deliver as we look ahead to the next five years.”

Artists Tim Turton and Nick Robertson added:

“It’s fantastic to see the mosaics restored and enjoyed again. We wanted to create something that captured a unique moment in Cheltenham’s history, and we’re delighted that the panels remain such a talking point more than 30 years on.”

A spokesperson from Roxy Lanes said:

“The mosaics have been carefully repaired and cleaned, significantly improving their appearance and enhancing this key access route through the alleyway to the High Street for public use.

As a BID levy paying business, we are committed to playing an active role in our community and are pleased to support initiatives that preserve local heritage and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of our town’s public spaces.”

Whatever the truth behind the tale, the restored mosaics mean Cheltenham’s elephants will keep raising smiles for years to come.

Can you spot the mistake that has been there for 30 years? Send us your answer and if you are right you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Cheltenham BID Gift Card: Elephant Mosaics – what’s wrong!