The Heritage of London Trust (HOLT) has saved a piece of Lewisham’s post-war art history, writes Frankie Hills…
Two murals created by leading sculptor William Mitchell, located on the Foxborough estate, were the subject of a restoration project which involved 240 young people through HOLT’s Proud Places youth engagement programme.
Children from Beecroft Garden Primary School met conservators and learnt about their craft, including about conservation techniques required to maintain the memorial. The children then went on to assist with the painting of the concrete mural during their visit.
One of the murals is made from offcuts of wood and bits of old furniture, including banisters, picture frames and floorboards, which is arranged and glued to a baseboard to make a mosaic. Meanwhile, the other is made from concrete, poured into a clay matrix. The concrete mural was painted bright colours in the decades after its unveiling.
The restored murals were unveiled on the 17th December with the children and local community. Speeches were given by the director of HOLT, Dr. Nicola Stacey, Councillor for Lewisham, Cllr Jacqueline Paschoud, Chair of Foxborough Gardens Tenants’ and Residents Association, John Keidan, Beecroft Garden Primary School Head Boy, Elliot and Beecroft Garden Primary School Head Girl, Ranielle.
The ribbons were cut by Cllr Jacqueline Paschoud, Elliot and Ranielle.
Speaking of the restoration efforts, Dr Nicola Stacy said “So much of London’s 1950s and 1960s public art is now under threat or neglected. We’re thrilled to have been able to help rescue and restore these murals.”
About William Mitchell
Mitchell is celebrated as one of the most significant British sculptors of the 20th century. He’s noted for his contributions to the artistic landscape throughout the 1960s and 1970s, his most significant contributions are noted through his innovate use of concrete and glass-fibre moulding.
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His earlier works decorated various urban spaces, including new housing projects, underpasses, new towns and cathedrals. Mitchell’s work often depicted more abstract and stylised forms, with an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and practical construction methods.
His most significant works include the fibreglass reliefs on the doors of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, the Egyptian Staircase in Harrods, Clifton Cathedral’s Stations of the Cross in concrete, and a striking mural in the Curzon Cinema, Mayfair.
