Generations Come Together to Create New Abbey Wood Community Mural

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Linda Bird, will unveil a new community mural at Abbey Wood Nursery School on Tuesday 24 March.

The mural was created by Abbey Wood–based artist Ellen Strachan of People Place Public Art CIC with local residents of all ages, funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Installed on the railings of the nursery school on Dahlia Road, the artwork is made from more than 80 shaped mural boards which together form a colourful scene of nursery children and community members growing plants together beneath a magical tree filled with a variety of leaves, flowers and fruits.

Abbey Wood–based artist Ellen Strachan

The idea for the mural grew from a conversation between Ellen Strachan and the school’s Head Teacher, Gillian Crowley about the vital role of the local community in raising a child. The project aimed to bring together different generations and connect families new to Abbey Wood with long-standing residents.

Children from the nursery visited Weybourne Care Home and members of the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Branch of U3A at Abbey Wood Community Centre to explore plants and growth to develop ideas for the mural. Community painting sessions were also held with nursery families, care home residents, U3A members and the 6th Abbey Wood Brownies.

Additional public workshops took place at Abbey Wood Library and Bostall Gardens Pavilion so that more local residents could take part.

Ellen Strachan said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many people contribute to the mural. Community members helped paint the shapes and I’ve added the detail in my home studio — it’s been a real community effort.”

Gillian Crowley said:“This project has been 3 years in the making, and without Ellen’s support we would not be here today. I never thought that we could get so many people involved. There is a real sense of community that has been started and a wonderful artwork as a lasting celebration of the effort for all to see.”

6th Abbey Wood Brownies

The mural is the first project delivered by People Place Public Art CIC, a non-profit organisation supporting communities to create public artworks that celebrate local stories and identity.

Unveiling Event

Tuesday 24 March, 11am–12 noon
Abbey Wood Nursery School, Dahlia Road, SE2

Local residents are welcome to attend.

Artwork created during the project will also be exhibited at the nursery on the day, and at Abbey Wood Library and Abbey Wood Community Centre from 25 March until the end of April.