Walthamstow could become an internationally recognised area for quality graffiti, according to a group turning bland walls into works of art.

Designs has been springing up all over the borough since September, adding a splash of colour to bland buildings, main streets and industrial estates.

The group behind the graffiti, Wood Street Walls, said it has been overwhelmed by the success and “positivity” from the community.

There are nine pieces of authorised street art in total, the latest revealed in Raglan Road, Walthamstow, this week.

Internationally renowned artist ‘Phlegm’ was the latest name to make his mark on the borough.

WSW founder, IT consultant Mark Clack, who lives in Wood Street, was inspired by street art in Paris, Miami and other areas of London.

Now, he believes if their success continues, E17 could become a global name for professional graffiti and street art and among the most well known, such as the Wynwood area in Miami.

“It has gone really well so far, the murals have generated a lot of positive conversations. The toasters are really popular,” he said.

 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The Wood Street Walls street art map of Walthamstow

“Considering we only started in September it has been really positive.

"We have had a lot of support from local businesses and the community – we have been amazed by the response.

“All the artists we have used so far have donated their time for free and have been based in London.

“We are working with the local authority on a couple of other murals, but we are in the early stages of discussions.

"The council are really progressive in terms of engaging with public art. If we could get somewhere like Wood Street twinned with Wynwood that would be incredible.

“It would be something which would benefit the whole community and the area’s economy.”

The WSW hopes to open affordable studio spaces around the borough to encourage art in the community.

In Hackney there are around 1100 studio spaces, in Waltham Forest there are 94, according to the latest figures.

“A lot of artists are going elsewhere but we want to keep them in Waltham Forest by offering affordable studio space. In return, we would ask them to deliver classes to the community,” Mr Clack added.

“There has been a fifty per cent drop in the number of people taking creative courses.

"We need to identify and encourage the next generation of artists, especially given the artistic heritage in this borough.”

All of the walls are donated by the owners to WSW, which finds a suitable artist for the site.

 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Latest street art to be unveiled in Walthamstow

The project is being self-funded by WSW, but hey are now looking for help.

“We do want to do some really big walls,” Mr Clack said.

“If there are any local scaffolding companies which would be interested in partnering with us we would love to hear from them.”

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