I turned my friend’s coffee shop into a Van Gogh-inspired mural
Commercial property solicitor by day, musician and artist by night, Dulcimer Lea has transformed Blackpool’s Mug Life Crisis into a swirling, Van Gogh-inspired mural.
Blackpool’s Mug Life Crisis coffee shop has received a colorful new makeover, thanks to local artist and musician Dulcimer Lea.
Dulcimer Lea, 28, is a Commercial Property Solicitor from Blackpool.
Opened and run by Stephen Cook Mug Life Crisis cafe has become a creative hub and safe haven for Blackpool’s night owls who prefer caffeine over cocktails.
Owner, Stephen Cook, said: “It’s a very eccentric, quirky, sort of positive energy space in Blackpool and a safe space for minorities, any sort.”
Stephen admits he opened the cafe on a whim after visiting a coffee shop in London, securing a lease within a week despite having no prior coffee shop experience.
Better known in artistic circles as A.L.M.O.R.A, Dulcimer Lea spent her nights and weekends painting a vibrant mural that brings a touch of Van Gogh’s energy to the seaside town.
Dulcimer said: “I’ve never done a mural before. I usually create paintings that accompany the music I produce.
“I play the harp, piano and several other instruments and every track has a visual piece I’ve made to go with it. This project just felt like the perfect way to combine both.”
The mural was inspired not only by Dulcimer’s musical and artistic practice but also by friendship.
Dulcimer said: “I’m very good friends with Steve, the owner of Mug Life Crisis. He’s been incredibly supportive, letting me transform the space however I imagined. It felt like a perfect place to try something new.”
Dulcimer’s artistic roots run deep, she said: “My dad made stained glass windows and my mum is a painter, so creativity has always been part of my life.
“Using the alias A.L.M.O.R.A allows me to keep my legal career and artistic work separate.”
The mural itself bursts with energy swirling shapes, bold colors and a sense of movement that mirrors the music Hannah creates.
Visitors to the coffee shop can experience her work both visually and sonically, as her pieces are designed to exist alongside the music she releases.
Dulcimer said: “This project is about world-building. I want people to see and hear my art, to feel immersed in it.
“Sometimes I even perform in galleries so audiences can experience the music while viewing the paintings.”
Though this is her first mural, Hannah is already considering expanding her work.
She said “I’ve had six shops ask for copies of my paintings, so I’ll be producing prints more widely soon. Blackpool has been incredibly welcoming, and I hope this mural inspires other spaces to embrace creativity.”
For now, the Mug Life Crisis mural stands as a testament to Dulcimer’s unique blend of talents.
Dulcimer’s music and art can be explored online at almoramusic.co.uk, where every song has a corresponding painting, bringing her vision to life for audiences across Blackpool and beyond.
Mug Life Crisis is open daily from 10:30am to 8:30pm at 108 Topping Street, Blackpool.