The new public artwork showcases Redbridge’s eclectic timeline from the prehistoric remains of a woolly mammoth over 200,000 years ago to the potential arrival of alien aunties in the future.
The project has been developed by Colours of Redbridge as part of a series of arts and culture projects led by local community groups and members.
The designs have been created by local artist, Erin Aniker, based on stories gathered through workshops with local primary schools, care homes, the local museum and community groups. The design process and installation have been overseen by mural experts The Matchbox, based in northeast London.
Featured community stories include historical events such as Alfred Harman and the local film industry, and Dusty Springfield performing at the Ilford Palais in 1964. It also captures what people love about living in Redbridge now, including the vibrant multi-culturalism of Ilford Lane and the beautiful and relaxing green spaces, such as Valentines Park. Finally, the mural paints a psychedelic vision of what Redbridge may look like in the future (according to our school kids!) including people floating around in rocket boots and trees with ears that can hear the sounds around them.
The mural is in the Winston Way underpass next to Redbridge Central Library. The underpass joins Loxford and Ilford and the designers hope to encourage people to use this space more often to feel welcome and safe. As a public piece of art, it can be viewed at any time of the day for free. More information can be found on the Colours of Redbridge website.
Artist, Erin Aniker said: “It was really interesting and fun to learn more about the area I grew up in through creating this community mural. I loved hearing about people’s different individual stories from boogieing on a Saturday night at the Ilford Palais to how the iconic Ilford Film was created in the inventor’s basement on Cranbrook Road. It’s been a really lovely community project and I’m so excited to be part of it.”
Community Producer, Ellessi Ricketts said: “The mural is a creative way to represent the diversity and cohesion of our community. From the homeless, to the next generation, from children who might struggle at school, to those within the mental health community. It’s a mural for everyone and created by everyone.”
Colours of Redbridge Programme Director, Pete Nichols said: “We are so excited to finally reveal this fantastic piece of public artwork after months of development. I hope that people will really enjoy walking through the underpass now – I’ve already seen children interacting with the artwork and getting a lot of joy from its colours and playful design. Residents told us that this is a space they’ve wanted to see changed for a long time, and I hope we did it justice.”
For anyone interested in getting more involved in the Colours of Redbridge programme, please email Colours of Redbridge.