From the 23 to Cumberland Rose, Local Artist’s Portsmouth story comes full circle

For Portsmouth-born artist Katherine Griffin, buses have been part of her story since childhood. Now, years after catching the No. 23 as a teenager, she has come full circle – creating Cumberland Rose, our Stagecoach-sponsored lion at Canoe Lake.

Katherine grew up in Portsmouth and remembers the No. 23 stopping close to her home. Today, the same route provides a direct link to her artwork at Canoe Lake, making Stagecoach’s connection to the project particularly fitting.

A professional artist for more than 20 years, Katherine now lives and works in Brighton. Her work spans figurative painting, murals and large-scale public art, with nature and our relationship with the natural world featuring heavily in her work. She has created artwork for major events including Glastonbury and has previously taken part in Wild in Art trails across Brighton.

For Cumberland Rose, Katherine drew inspiration from one of her favourite parts of Portsmouth. As a child, she loved visiting Cumberland House and exploring the wider Canoe Lake area. She now returns with her own children, who have developed the same affection for the area.

The lion celebrates the lake, pedalos, swans, gardens, cafés, Cumberland House and butterfly house, with roses inspired by Southsea’s Rose Gardens. Katherine has also included the distinctive paving pattern from the promenade – a detail she remembers from growing up in the city.

Katherine said: “Portsmouth is my hometown, so I jumped at the chance to be part of the trail. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to create a piece of work that celebrates Portsmouth and a place that means so much to me.”

For Stagecoach South, sponsoring Cumberland Rose is a chance to celebrate Portsmouth’s creative talent while highlighting how our services connect people with the city and its attractions.

Marc Reddy, Managing Director of Stagecoach South, said: “We’re delighted to support Katherine and celebrate a piece of artwork that has such a strong connection to Portsmouth. There’s something particularly fitting about a local artist who grew up travelling by bus now creating a sculpture that visitors can reach by the same network. We hope it encourages people to explore the trail, discover more of the city and enjoy the connections that make Portsmouth such a special place.”

Visitors can travel on the No. 23 to Canoe Lake to see Cumberland Rose and explore the wider Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail.

And there’s a chance to win while you’re there. Anyone passing the sculpture can scan the QR code and enter our open competition for the chance to win a year of free Stagecoach travel across the South. One lucky winner will be contacted on 14 September 2026.

So why not hop on the 23, discover Cumberland Rose and explore the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail by bus?