HOUSING
The ‘Tree of Life’ mural
apparently derived from the
number of oak trees it had.
It was created by famous
artist Carrie Reichardt (from the
Treatment Rooms collective),
who lives locally and was also
responsible for the distinctive
mosaic bench in South Acton
Recreation Ground, which is
also replete with historical
local references.
There are other pieces
by European artists
aller y of
respected across
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Thierry Noir, who first
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came to the world’s
‘THE ART HAS HAD A
galler y
attention with striking
BIG IMPACT’
graffiti that adorned the
Earlier this year, a disused
Berlin wall.
garage site on the estate was
used to install modular homes
‘A CULTURAL CONNECTOR’
for homeless families and help tackle
Rachel said: “The rise of public art
the housing crisis. It was named Meath
in South Acton has blossomed over
Court and a kestrel was painted on
the years because of its roots in the
one of the sides of the four-storey
community. It has been successfully
construction, above a wildflower
creating opportunities for local people
meadow scene.
and artists to design site-specific,
Jacqueline Simms, a Meath Court
evocative visual art in the urban
resident, said: “The art has had a big
landscape. ARTification’s bridging role
impact for residents. When people
as a ‘cultural connector’ is key to this
move in, it can be daunting for the
complex meeting point in the ever-
children and getting involved in the art
changing social, spatial landscape.”
can help with their social, intellectual
The side of Meath Court
and emotional skills. They learn
through play and it helps them express
themselves, and it’s fun.”
Council leader Julian Bell said: “To
see the community come together and
combine their ideas and enthusiasm
to continue the regeneration of South
Acton is captivating. ARTification
has started something special and it
highlights what can be achieved when
residents care about their community
and the way it looks.”
Visit www.artification.org.uk for
more details.
Part of the seabirds painting
around ealing December 2018
17