Peabody commissioned local artists to create designs for a 500m long hoarding along Harrow Manor Way at Coralline Walk, as part of a huge mural celebrating the town’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The first two Thamesmead artists to take part are illustrator Keith Hau and print designer Paige Denham. Other local artists, photographers, and designers will be creating new works in the months ahead.
Keith Hau said: “The hoardings are a unique canvas, so it was a really great project to be involved in. I’ve always enjoyed being amongst the landscape here, so it was a joy to help create illustrations that highlight and promote the natural spaces.
“There’s an incredible amount of green and blue spaces found in this town and I really wanted to try and celebrate these areas with bold, dynamic, and colourful designs.”
Paige Denham added: “I am so proud to be creating a piece of art for the residents of my hometown, that means so much to me. With art galleries and museums closed for the past year, there has been a real cultural drought so to be able to paint this mural in Thamesmead is such a pleasure.
“I can only hope that this mural brightens residents’ days, brings them a sense of joy, and encourages people to love the town like I do.”
Adriana Marques, Peabody’s Head of Cultural Strategy for Thamesmead, said: “This is such an important project as it’s supporting and developing local talent at a time when there are so few opportunities for designers and artists, especially younger ones.
“Thamesmead has such a rich and vibrant creative community and now residents will be able to see just how talented our local artists, who could be living right next door to them, are.”
Keith Hau’s design is a series of four illustrations under the banner of ‘Making Space for Nature’, the programme finding new ways for residents to use and enjoy Thamesmead’s many green spaces.
Each print focuses on a particular Making Space for Nature’s project: Southmere Lake, Secret Sunflower Field, Bugs & Birds and Get Set Sow. All created to get local people more involved in the town’s natural environment, from spending time enjoying the lakes and parks to growing their own vegetables at home.