Claudia Rose, known as Murals by Claudia Rose on social media, is a 24-year-old artist from Hadleigh who has had a lifelong passion for art. From a young age, she loved creating artwork and got her talent and creativity from her dad, who sadly died from cancer when she was just six years old.

Claudia said, “I get my gift of art from my dad and have always enjoyed it ever since I was little. In lockdown, I started painting again. I created pet portraits as they were popular, and now have decided to focus on creating murals. I really enjoy marble and gold leaf walls, which is where I got my inspiration from for my Waddle-on-Sea design”

Her beautiful super-sized sculpture, Marble Penguin, standing proud on Southend High Street, joins 30 other large penguins and a huddle of baby sculptures displayed in locations across Southend and Leigh-on-Sea.

Waddle-on-Sea, a fun family art trail, has been a huge hit with the local community since launching on 11th July. The trail continues until 3rd September and raises vital funds for Havens Hospices, which provides specialist care and support for babies, children, young people and adults across Essex.

Claudia submitted her design for Waddle-on-Sea to give back to a charity that supported her family in their time of need. Claudia said, “Sharing my artwork and having people get joy from it is the most fulfilling part, and I feel like my dad lives on in everything I create”

“After my dad passed away, my uncle became like a father figure to me. When I was 18, he was cared for at the end of his life at Fair Havens Hospice. They offered me and my family support through our most heartbreaking times. It’s a charity close to my heart, so to be able to raise money for them so they can help others means a lot to me, and it’s my way of giving back”

At the end of the trail, the 31 large penguins and six baby sculptures will go under the hammer at the grand auction to find their forever homes and raise money for Havens Hospices.

Trail-goers can still join the huddle by purchasing a map from any Havens Hospices charity shop (while stocks last), or from other locations including the Pier Information Centre, The Forum, Leigh-on-Sea Library, and the Waddle-on-Sea HQs at The Royals Shopping Centre and 141 Leigh Road.

The trail can also be followed using the free Waddle-on-Sea app, available on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or follow @waddleonsea on Instagram and Facebook.

Published on 14th August 2025