Once A Pond A Time

Once A Pond A Time was an interactive public art installation in collaboration with celebrated Bristol-based artist, Alex Lucas. Bristol City Council commissioned the project to reimagine an underused public space and turn it into a compelling summer destination- one that would increase footfall, encourage dwell-time and celebrate local creative talent.

Blending sculpture, illustration, storytelling and interactive games, the activation transformed Quakers Friars into a joyful, storybook-inspired world that celebrated the charm of the humble pond and its characters– through humour, creativity and playful design.

This concept is a tribute to the uncelebrated and the unseen- a nod to the underdogs – the squishy, scaly, slimy little legends of the pond whose day-to-day lives are every bit as important, and extraordinary, as our own. The ambition was to create a meanwhile activation that felt playful, inclusive and culturally relevant, while delivering measurable value for the wider destination. Starting with hand-sketched concepts, the Bakehouse design team worked closely with Alex to translate her recognisable 2D style into a sculptural 3D environment, developing form, narrative and spatial flow to ensure the installation felt cohesive, engaging and operationally considered.

The result was an “exploded sketchbook” and living storybook concept, where oversized illustrations stepped off the page and into the public realm.

The experience invited visitors to step inside and see art differently, finding wonder in the heart of the city, sparking imagination and encouraging exploration. Giant interactive games, pop-up paintings, peep boards, a reading nook and live mural painting turned the space into an evolving outdoor gallery with natural moments for photography and social sharing. Digital elements, including QR code filters, character-based pond poems, downloadable phone wallpapers and colouring sheets added an additional layer of discovery and participation.

The impact was immediate and measurable. The installation successfully increased dwell-time, drove repeat visits and strengthened Bristol’s cultural offer during the summer period. Once A Pond A Time demonstrates how meanwhile activations can transform overlooked spaces into engaging, destination-led environments that support both community connection and commercial performance.