Cirque du Roar

Created by: Jess Perrin

Sponsored by: Pitt St. Skatepark and Spraywall Interiors

Location: Pitt St. Skatepark

Cirque du Roar is inspired by vintage circus imagery and whimsical folk art, portraying the lion as a gentle and welcoming figure rather than a fearsome beast. The design references the history of travelling circuses arriving in Portsmouth from the 19th century onwards. This was when temporary tents and performances became part of the city’s working waterfront.

During this period, large touring companies such as Barnum & Bailey’s circus visited Britain. They were known for their scale and international reach, introducing new forms of spectacle to port cities shaped by trade and travel. The artwork uses bold stripes, soft textures and playful patterns to echo the performance, pageantry and quiet strength beneath the big top. This links the design to a shared cultural memory of arrival, gathering and departure.

Audio description

Listen to a 51 second audio description of the Pitt St. Skatepark and Spraywall Interiors lion sculpture.