I was asked (via the Volunteer Centre Sutton) to generate some ideas for a mural being planned by Sutton Mencap. They had an area, known as the children's walkway, that they were planning to transform: from a drab concrete alleyway to something more colourful and natural looking. Two mural panels were planned, along with raised flower beds, new plants, top soil and a general effort to spruce up that part of their premises.
Sutton Mencap Outdoor Project - Overview
For the mural ideas, they wanted something simple and bold that would appeal to the passing children, but not something that would be incongruous to the new garden. I decided to use flowers often seen in your average South London garden or park, with a range across the seasons. For the mural painting itself, using the help of students from Carshalton College and the services of Village Ceramics, my designs were used to inspire the final structure. One image was used for both panels, with my second design being kept for further use elsewhere at the centre in the future.
Sutton Mencap mural painting
Sutton Mencap mural painting
Extra colours and garden critters were added by the team and when installed in the finished walkway, a drab grey fence was improved no end.
Sutton Mencap mural 1
Sutton Mencap Walkway
Thanks to Sutton Mencap for the use of their photographs for this post.