Before & After
The Brief
We partnered up with The Guinness Partnership residents in order to transform a mouldy wall within Stoke Newington, Hackney. The challenge we faced during this project was to de-mould the space and also complete a design through a one-day design workshop.
The main objective of this mural was to bring the residents together and give them a sense of pride for their contribution to the artwork. To help take their minds off the pandemic by bringing a bit of colour and improving their living space. Where everyone can gather and have fun. The children on the Estate have their birthday parties in front of the mural.
Supported by: The Aspire Awards, Guinness Partnerships, Dulux.
The Process
During the one-day design workshop, we worked with Guinness Partnership residents in Homleigh Primary School to collectively decide on the colour palette before each designing their own section of the wall.
The residents had a fun-filled day learning about different pattern styles including; Chevron, Striped layout, Plaid/Checkered, All-over Prints (AOP), Positive-Negative layouts, and Scale designs.
Each participant had special individual attention to choose the patterns and colours from what they had learnt earlier in the day. Being mindful of the colours being balanced and cohesive.
After a four-day de-moulding process, the wall had been primed and ready to be painted by the residents.
"I live on the estate, what a beautiful piece of art to brighten up a dark, dull wall. So colourful and incredibly well done, it looks amazing and puts a smile on your face. And not only that, Rose took the time to involve some of the young children from the estate to 'help' her, which they thoroughly enjoyed, and so giving it a real community feel and sense of ownership and achievement. A very worthwhile and well done project in all sorts of ways, please can we have some more of Rose's artwork to brighten up our estate and involve the kids in community spirit."
Derek
Guinness Resident
The Outcome
For the next 8 days in March of 2022, the residents got together to paint their own sections of the Mural.
Estate resident Kirsty Jones said: “While working on the project I met lots of neighbours whom I had never met before, the kids loved it and wanted to be involved. We had residents who admitted they don’t engage with people actually come out to say they loved the mural.”
The focus was on colour and patterns as that is what we deem an inclusive approach as it allowed everyone to express what they were thinking and feeling without having to be exact.
The main goal and meaning behind the mural were about bringing people together and bringing joyfulness to the area.
"Rose has done a wonderful job from start to finish at the Stamford hill Guinness trust estate with the community mural. I volunteered with her for a day and had a nice day chatting as we painted the white walls that she had so meticulously cleaned from the dust and mold. The final product is like a facelift and the mural gives a positive and vibrant vibe to the community- the kids are attracted to play around it and it just cheers everyone up! I hope she gets a chance to do the rest of the wall though."
Tahmina, Project Participant and Resident
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the condition of the wall before the mural?
The wall was severely affected by mould, which made it look dull and uninviting. Before painting, we carried out a four-day de-moulding process to clean and treat the surface, making it safe and ready for artwork.
What kind of paint was used for the mural?
We used high-quality, weather-resistant Dulux paints, provided through our partnership with Dulux. These were selected for their vibrancy and long-lasting durability on outdoor walls.
How long did the entire project take?
The full project spanned just over one week, with a one-day design workshop followed by eight days of painting with the residents. The de-moulding process took place prior to this.
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Was the mural painted by professionals or residents?
The mural was designed and painted by local residents, with guidance and support from artist Rose Hill. Participants were involved at every stage, from choosing the colour palette to painting their own sections of the wall.
How were the mural colours and patterns decided?
During the one-day design workshop, residents learned about different pattern styles and colour theory. Each person selected their own pattern and colour combination for their section, ensuring the mural felt personal yet cohesive.
What impact did the project have on the residents?
Residents shared that the project helped them meet neighbours for the first time, feel more connected to their estate, and take pride in their environment. It also created a joyful focal point for the community, children even celebrate birthdays in front of the mural now.
Did the mural help with community cohesion?
Absolutely. The project brought together people who didn’t previously engage with one another. Several residents mentioned they made new friends and felt a greater sense of community as a result of participating.
Was the project inclusive to all ages and abilities?
Yes. The design process focused on colour and pattern, making it an accessible creative activity for people of all skill levels. Children and adults alike took part and contributed meaningfully.
What were some of the personal responses to the mural?
Residents described the mural as a “facelift” for the estate and something that “puts a smile on your face”. Several participants said it was one of the first times they felt truly involved in something creative and community-focused in their area.
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