The idea
Our partners include Global Street Art, who have organised over 500 legal street art murals in London since 2012; Jan Kattein Architects who were responsible for the High Road improvements on behalf of Waltham Forest Council and Leyton Orient FC who have signed up for a mural near the turnstiles on Brisbane Road. The Royal Cafe's incredible wall on the corner of Sidmouth Road and the High Road opposite Coronation Gardens is also a confirmed mural site, along with Gym's Kitchen.
What we'll deliver
- Maintain the murals as necessary
- Promote the finished murals through our partners Global Street Art
- Paint a series of murals with the theme Leyton: Past, Present & Future.
Why it's a great idea
Leyton has recently been transformed through the High Road improvements carried out by our partners Jan Kattein Architects. They are keen to see these murals be painted as part of the ongoing legacy of the work they did with the council. Our theme is Leyton: Past, Present & Future. This will ensure the murals resonate and are in harmony with the surroundings whilst leaving space for artist's creativity.
The murals will help turn throughfares into destination sites, encouraging pedestrians to slow down and stop, making them more likely to spend in cafés and restaurants. The murals will be collaborations between local artists, schools and the public. When complete they will form a trail around Leyton helping locals and visitors discover the area, it's history and future possibilities.
Steps to get it done
- Artists to take the lead painting the murals supported by local volunteers and young people as appropriate.
- Continue to sign up local and wider artists (see website for who is already singed up).
- Host discussions on Leyton's history, current developments and future possibilities to help artists come up with ideas.
- Make as much use as possible of recycled paint from the Forest Recycling Project.
- Match up artists with mural sites in collaboration with the landowners and our partners.
- Several other potential sites have been identified if funding allows.
- We have already confirmed 3 mural sites: Leyton Orient FC, The Royal Cafe and Gym's Kitchen.
The project will inspire and galvanise the community as well as making more landlords open to murals as they see what is possible. Street art is now a recognised force for urban regeneration and is highly cost effective relative to major infrastructure projects because it works with the existing infrastructure. It is also immensely popular online, where people share the best examples of global work. By nurturing street art in Leyton, this project will alter wider public perceptions of the area and galvanise ongoing change.
