The Brief
In collaboration with the City of London, the residents of York Way Estate, and the wider Islington community, we started a creative mission to infuse life and colour into the Higgins Partnership hoardings for the upcoming 91 social homes with a community mural measuring 9.4m x 2.4m which was completed in the summer of 2023.
Our aim was to encapsulate the essence of the community in this mural, actively involving everyone in its creation. We extended our initiative into the heart of the York Way Estate community. Drawing inspiration from the local landscapes and landmarks, the participants took centre stage in shaping the mural's design. They incorporated elements from nearby parks, Football pitches, and the spirit of Islington's community.
Mindful of our commitment towards environmental conservation, we consciously chose to use recycled paints from our past projects with Dulux and Brewers. This ensured a mindful use of resources, preventing any material wastage. Our vision is to craft a bright and colourful mural, with a low carbon footprint.
Supported by: The City of London and Higgins Partnerships
2023 Higgins Summer project
Organising three creative workshops at the Respite Centre on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th of August 2023, these workshops were for residents to channel their creativity and ideas.
Participants created mood boards, learnt about colour, experimented with patterns and co-designed the mural together. These workshops encouraged the participants an opportunity to meet new friends and collaborate in the design process. By coming together as a community, our creative workshops created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where everyone could freely express themselves and have a great time.
"The workshop was well-structured and engaging, offering a deep dive into the world of pattern-based murals. We learned about colour mixing, how colours impact mood, and how to create and combine patterns. It even inspired me to create something for my own home!"
Sean Linmann local resident and Islington NHS Occupational Therapist
The Process
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"Working with Rose on a mural project has been an absolute delight and an enriching experience. Her extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion for art transformed what could have been a simple mural into a masterpiece that will forever captivate our community. Rose's warm and friendly personality made the entire experience enjoyable. She encouraged us to be actively involved in the creative process, valuing our input and ideas. This collaborative spirit not only enriched the project but also made us feel like we were part of something truly special. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with her and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a transformative and unforgettable artistic experience"
Sonam Uprit, Lambfold House resident
The Outcome
Drawing from workshops, participants created their own pattern designs. Their creations included the unmistakable signature of Islington’s rich heritage. We included modern symbols, such as the clock face from Caledonian Park, the football pitches of Market Road and the 4 seasons of Caledonian Park. Together, these elements paint a narrative of the bridges between the past and present of Islington.
Each participant brought a piece of their heart and home to the mural. The personal design in each part of the mural tells individual tales, yet they harmoniously come together, showcasing a tapestry of shared experiences and memories. A theme of health and love emerged from this mural, reflecting the community’s values and priorities. The many hearts that are scattered throughout the mural, symbolise the love and friendship within the community.
We included a design to represent occupational therapy and how human connection it’s essential to our well-being. Standing vibrantly on the York Way estate, the mural represents the community's aspirations, hopes, and dreams. It signifies the unity of the Islington residents and stands as a story of their shared journey, resilience, and friendship.
"My artistic ability peaked at drawing stickmen on the back of notebooks in school, so I was somewhat apprehensive, but I shouldn't have worried! Rose, the instructor, was an absolute delight. She is exceptionally skilled at working with people of all abilities—from children to those who can only draw stick figures like myself. Rose was friendly, knowledgeable, and an excellent communicator. She created an environment where everyone felt welcome and could bring out their best.
Being new to London, I also appreciated meeting new people and feeling the community vibe. It was great contributing something to my local area, and it's a fantastic feeling to walk past something you helped to create! Plus, I can now tell people that I'm basically Banksy.
Thank you, Rose! You helped me discover my artistic side and learn that creativity can be a great way to destress and have fun."
Sean Linmann local resident and Islington NHS Occupational Therapist
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About The Design
Learn about the individuals who participated in this project and the thought process behind the design choices for each section of the mural.
Matan designed his own pattern design using the different pattern structures including scales and chevrons. He was inspired by peacock feathers.
Tasia designed her own pattern using the composite pattern structure which she learnt in the patterns workshop.
Sean created his own repeat pattern inspired by occupational therapy and how human connection it’s essential to our well-being
Dave created his own geometric pattern using his favourite colours.
Eddie's design is inspired by the football pitches on Market Road. Eddie created a design inspired by the clock face and window of Caledonian Park.
Giullia was inpsired by warm colours, which she learnt about during the colour theory workshop.
Phillip's design included 23 pigeons which can be found in Islington. Phillip added the snake travelling upwards to represent health and protection. He was also inspired by Victorian pub tiles which you can see in the top left corner.
Summer created a design which represented the hope and love for the new regeneration project. Summer used warm colours which she learnt about during the colour theory workshop.
Naima's design represnts the four seasons as she walks through Caledonian Park.
Aaryan from Lambfold House created a tower of straws at the summer pizza party which inspired the blue and yellow check design.
Carly designed the waves and also wanted to see hearts in the mural.
Melissa designed the mosaic designs, we created a blue and pink version for the mural.
Amber Lee was inspired by the colour theory workshop and created this marble design.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of feedback did you get from residents during the mural’s development?
Many residents shared how the project gave them a real sense of ownership and pride. A few told us it was the first time they’d felt their voices were genuinely shaping a public space.
What was the atmosphere like during the painting sessions?
It was lively, friendly, but also calming. People who’d never painted before found it therapeutic.
What impact did working with recycled paint have on the creative process?
It encouraged people to be more experimental with colour mixing. Some incredible shades came out of blending leftover paints, it sparked conversations about sustainability and creativity going hand in hand.
Did participants form new friendships through the project?
Absolutely. Several people mentioned they’d only ever passed each other in the lift or on the estate. After the workshops, they started chatting more regularly and even made plans to meet up again.
What role did local identity play in the mural?
It was central. The mural reflects the area’s character, from specific landmarks to broader values like resilience and care. It tells a local story that only this community could have created.
Why was it important to include seasonal elements in the design?
It symbolises the cycles of community life - change, growth, renewal. Including all four seasons gave the mural a timeless feel and made it relatable throughout the year.
What kind of preparation was involved before the workshops began?
We prepared mood board materials, gathered reference images from the local area, and made sure our recycled paint was properly sorted and usable. It was important to start with resources that could inspire creativity while keeping the environmental focus.
How did you make sure everyone could contribute to the final mural design?
Each person’s pattern or motif was treated as a building block. During the workshops, we digitised and refined everyone’s ideas so they could be woven into the overall composition without losing their individuality.
What challenges did you face using recycled paint?
Recycled paint can have inconsistencies in texture and finish, so we had to do a lot of test mixing beforehand. But it also sparked creative combinations we might not have planned otherwise, it was a balancing act between practical limitations and artistic freedom.
How did you approach making the workshops inclusive for everyone?
The sessions were structured but flexible, with different activity stations and visual prompts. We encouraged collaboration, used tactile materials, and ensured a friendly environment so people could engage at their own pace.
How long did the design process take after the workshops?
The workshops took place over three weeks in August 2023, and design development continued shortly after. We needed time to digitally combine and finalise the artwork before installation that summer.
What lasting impression do you hope the mural makes on the community?
We hope it reminds people every day that their ideas matter, their voices count, and their creativity has a place here. It’s a symbol of belonging and care, painted by the community, for the community.
If you have more questions about how we work, visit our full FAQ page!