15th January 2016
Art and Design students from Barking & Dagenham College along with pupils from Ripple Primary School, residents and the ward councillors made their mark on the borough?s landscape by revamping the underpass near the Essex Road flyover in Barking.
The artists designed a mural commemorating the borough’s 50th anniversary, the largest in London to adorn the walls and pillars in order to brighten up the once dark and dingy walkway which had become a focus for anti-social behaviour.
The artists were invited to get involved in response to the concerns from residents that the underpass was seen as being dirty an unsafe. They were supported in the project by ward councillors, young people, local residents and council officers.
Council Leader, Councillor Darren Rodwell who attended unveiling of the mural along with local ward Councillors, said:
“Art, culture and creative talents of local people are playing a significant role in the regeneration of the borough.
“This fantastic mural is the start of the work we’re doing to make the area cleaner and safer and is an example of the local community acting in a socially responsible manner and taking pride in their community.
”Thanks to a great example of partnership work, the underpass has been transformed into a place where pedestrians, particularly parents taking their children to the nearby Ripple Primary School can see some exciting artwork and more importantly feel safe.”
Mark Robertson, Principal and CEO at Barking & Dagenham College, said:
“This unique mural has been designed and created by a group of around 30 of our art and design students, under the leadership of their lecturers, to celebrate the borough’s half century. Matching student talent with real work commissions is all part of the opportunities we create here at the college and I am delighted that this particular group of students can now add ‘mural artist’ to both their university applications and their CVs.”
