Community mural celebrates the past, present and future of Islington
Posted 09/05/2023
A vibrant mural which has been created by residents of York Way Estate and the Islington community with Islington artist Rose Hill of Co-Creative Connection has been unveiled at Higgins Partnerships’ York Way Estate development.
Higgins commissioned Co-Creative Connection to capture the community’s ideas and spirit in a stunning artwork which now takes pride of place on the hoarding around the new development. Through a series of workshops, local residents came together to learn about different design themes and explore their creativity.
The first workshop discussed the importance of colours and creating mood boards to set the tone for the artwork, while the second explored different inclusive pattern designs, such as African, Islamic and Indian art. The third workshop used all the knowledge gained to co-design the final mural artwork together.
Rose Hill Co-Creative Connection founder explains more, "Our vibrant co-designed mural is a beautiful reflection of the creativity and contribution of all local people who helped bring it to life. This artwork embodies the spirit of Islington's diverse and united community, celebrating togetherness and diversity. It's a shining testament to the power of collaboration and we are excited to share it with you. Please visit it and take a look at everyone’s creativity."
Lia Fras who took part in the project says, "I have attended three workshops, together with my 10 year old, and I am so happy we did! The workshops were about designing a mural for hoardings on a construction site, every session was well prepared, informative and interesting! Rose is an incredible artist and amazing person. She made us feel welcomed and appreciated. Loved working on creating new patterns and designs! I look forward to participating in future projects organised by Rose. Thank you!"
"It was fun to be creative with other people in the community and to be a part of such a colourful project. I love the mural, loved helping design it and being able to do some of the painting. Can’t wait to see it finished. I’m sure it will look great and will bring light and colourful energy into this housing project." Continues project participant, Tessa Gaynn.
The completed mural drew inspiration from the estate’s architecture, the distinctive white banding inspired by the McMorran & Whitby architecture, Victorian pub tiles, and playful playground patterns to create a design that celebrates the unique character of the area.
The Victorian Line pattern, which opened in 1969, has also been incorporated showcasing the estate’s connection to the city’s transport system.
Amy Ross, Director of ESG at Higgins Partnerships comments, “We are really impressed with the stunning mural which now takes pride of place on our hoarding. I would like to thank all those who have taken part in creating it and hope the wider community will be inspired and enjoy seeing it as they walk by. Its wonderful to see throughout the design how the mural pays tribute to the rich history of Islington and celebrates the local community’s spirit and essence.
“We are really pleased to work with Rose once again on this fantastic addition to the local community.”
City of London Corporation has appointed Higgins Partnerships to deliver four new buildings with 91 new homes which will form part of the York Way Estate in the London Borough of Islington. Ranging in size from studios to four bedroom homes they sit alongside a new community centre, extensive play areas and gardens where residents can grow vegetables.
All the flats will be for Government subsidised social rent and achieve a high Home Quality Mark, reducing energy bills for residents and lessening impacts on the environment. Half of the homes will be given to tenants of Islington Council.
