A new mural has arrived at London’s South Bank – and it’s to celebrate one of the nation’s most beloved characters.

Ahead of the new film launch – Paddington in Peru – which is set to hit cinemas on November 8, South Bank has unveiled a brand new mural of Paddington Bear.

The mural, which can be found on Sutton Walk near the Southbank Centre, features Paddington Bear donning his iconic red hat and will serve as a “warm welcome” to visitors arriving in London.

The mural has been created by Peruvian artist Gisella Stapleton, in collaboration with Studio Canal, Global Street Art and South Bank, to celebrate Paddington being Visit London’s first ever “welcome ambassador”.

The mural has been created by Peruvian artist Gisella Stapleton to celebrate Paddington being Visit London’s first ever “welcome ambassador”.The mural has been created by Peruvian artist Gisella Stapleton to celebrate Paddington being Visit London’s first ever “welcome ambassador”. (Image: London & Partners) Simon McCaugherty, Director at VisitLondon.com, said: “We are over the moon to name Paddington as Visit London’s first official welcome ambassador.

“Paddington has long called London his home and is the perfect representative of London’s values as a welcoming and inclusive city.

“As Paddington himself said, ‘in London everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in’.”

The news was announced during the mural unveiling, which took place at South Bank earlier last month, attended by actor Ben Whishaw, the voice of Paddington.

The mural unveiling took place at South Bank earlier last month, attended by actor Ben Whishaw, the voice of Paddington.The mural unveiling took place at South Bank earlier last month, attended by actor Ben Whishaw, the voice of Paddington. (Image: London & Partners) If you’re visiting London, you’ll find this new mural a short walk from Waterloo Station, and with its montage of bright colours it makes for the perfect selfie opportunity or Instagram backdrop.

Paddington was the creation of Michael Bond, who created the bear in 1958, and to this day Paddington Bear is one of the UK’s most iconic literary characters.

Commenting on the mural, Gisella said: “Inspired by the Retablo Ayacuchano, one of the most important artistic expressions of Andean art, this image represents the heart of Paddington – and the heart of every immigrant. With open doors, where inside the love for our land, represented by the Andes, is mixed with the love for the land that welcomes us, our beloved London.

“For me, living in London for 13 years has been an enriching experience, meeting people from many parts of the world and their cultures, it is a magical city, just like Paddington, I have always felt that I fit in.”