A new public artwork about Fairlop Waters celebrates childhood memories and stories of connection including a couple’s sunset walk, a school sailing trip that went awry and a family wedding.
Located at Fairlop Waters in Redbridge, the mural is a project from Colours of Redbridge, commissioned by the London Borough of Redbridge as part of wider site improvements.
Located on the side of Owls Play Centre next to the Fairlop Waters Boathouse, it is the first space most people see when they arrive at the site.
The final piece features design elements rooted in the community’s diverse backgrounds. Highlights include a South Asian mandala sunset and British folk art motifs such as harlequin borders and decorative flowers.
Read more
Top-rated cafes in the east London town named one of the UK's best places to live
Call to protect Epping Forest as housing and transport issues grow
Ginny Barlow, a British signwriter and canal artist, developed the design after hearing residents’ stories during community workshops.
Ms Barlow said: "It was an absolute honour to be asked to create the artwork for this mural.
"I especially enjoyed the challenge of incorporating the stories and memories from people within the local community into the design. Using traditional signwriting techniques gives a strong sense of identity to the area that I really hope people connect with."
Auberi Chen, mural artist and founder of Watching Paint Dry Productions, oversaw the design and installation process, leading workshops that gave residents a chance to help paint the mural and contribute to the finished piece.
Anum Ahmad, community producer, said: "The mural reflects a kaleidoscope of stories, cherished memories, and personal connections. Seeing these captured in a beautiful work of art means so much to the local community and will bring joy to many."
Fairlop Waters is currently undergoing wider improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and supporting local wildlife.
This mural is part of a wider development of Fairlop Waters. The artwork is free to view and open to the public at any time of day. Organisers hope it will encourage greater use of the area and help visitors feel welcome and safe.
Pete Nichols, programme director at Colours of Redbridge, said: "We are so excited to finally reveal this fantastic piece of public artwork after months of development.
"I hope that people feel welcome and represented when they visit Fairlop Waters and that the artwork brings some brilliant community stories to life – even tiny details, like the fan of stones, was inspired by one person’s love of skimming stones across the lake."
Colours of Redbridge is part of Creative People and Places, a national programme from Arts Council England, where local people decide what culture happens in their area.
The programme supports people who live, work or study in Redbridge develop their own creative and cultural projects for everyone to enjoy. It is supported by a range of local organisations including Age UK, Community Action Redbridge, Ekota Academy, Friends of Loxford, Iford Business Improvement District, Muslimah Sports Association, SPACE Studios, and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Colours of Redbridge programme can email hello@colours.red for more information.
Share