Let’s Colour Walls of Connection in London, UK

  • United Kingdom - London
Wishing to celebrate the harmony and diversity of London, AkzoNobel, with its UK brand Dulux and MasterPeace, brought together a group of artists in order to create a collaborative mural design.

Why here?

 

The area of Southwark is an extremely diverse and liveable spot in London, with some of the world’s most famous attractions that draw thousands, if not millions, of people to London every year as it is the home to London Bridge, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Borough Market. However, the location witnessed terrorist attacks a year before our event, thus it bears a special significance for the residents in their attempt to overcome the trauma and the pain.

Strong symbol of a diverse and united London

 

The mural painting is the biggest of its kind, measuring 45 by 10 feet in size, and the design aimed to connect people through the painting following the recent events.

The mural depicts an English meadow – beautiful, lush and green – interspersed with an array of flowers, symbolizing the diverse British society, united, beautiful and strong – and celebrating the diversity and the numerous sub-communities referring to London as their home, and together turning it into a welcoming shelter for everyone.

Collaborative effort

 

The design was led by a prominent artist Siddiqa Juma who is famous for her collaborative art projects. During the creating process, the local community and passers-by joined in as well, so everyone had the opportunity to express their ideas for this colorful community project. Many people volunteered to participate in the creation of the design, painting one big collaborative mural together, one brush stroke at a time – symbolizing the city of London that has welcomed people from various backgrounds, thus raising and nurturing its own versatile society.

Long-lasting impressions

 

Martyn Craddock, a local resident said: “Southwark is an extremely diverse and liveable spot in London and forms one of the oldest parts of the city. It’s also home to a very diverse group of people. What struck me about being involved with Let’s Colour Walls of Connection was the simplicity of the process, yet the complexity of its meaning. It is an accessible way that everyone can join in, so anyone could just pick up a paint brush and express their values and creativity. I believe this project delivers a message that art can unite neighborhoods.”