When Bicester Village invited me to create artwork for their Members Month campaign, it was an opportunity to bring Curiosity Snug® perceptual art to one of the world's most-visited luxury retail destinations.
Located in Oxfordshire and welcoming millions of visitors each year, Bicester Village has become renowned for combining luxury shopping with memorable experiences.
At the heart of the project was a hand-drawn illustration measuring 3.6 metres wide by 3.4 metres high, installed behind the Ferragamo boutique within the Village.
Created in my signature "What Can You See?" style, the artwork invited visitors to slow down, look closer, and discover a series of hidden gems woven throughout the scene.
The illustration featured 13 hidden Porridge Bears waiting to be found, turning the artwork into an interactive experience rather than simply a decorative mural. Every detail was carefully drawn by hand, rewarding curiosity and encouraging visitors to engage with the artwork in a playful and unexpected way.
The project extended far beyond the main mural.
The illustration was also adapted for the glass walkway connecting Bicester Village Station to the Village itself, allowing visitors to begin their journey of discovery before they had even arrived.
Alongside the mural, I created a collection of vintage-inspired hot air balloons which were used as wayfinding and promotional signage throughout the Village. These became a recognisable visual element of the campaign, helping to connect the different touchpoints across the site.
What I loved most about this commission was the opportunity to combine large-scale environmental design with perception art. Rather than simply creating something to look at, the goal was to create something to explore.
The hidden Porridge Bears encouraged interaction, conversation, and discovery, transforming the artwork into an experience that visitors could enjoy together.
Projects like this demonstrate how illustration can do more than communicate a message. It can spark curiosity, encourage engagement, and invite people to see familiar places differently.
INSTAGRAM FOOTAGE OF BICESTER VILLAGE X CURIOSITY SNUG COLLAB:
And as always, the question remains:
What Can You See?