2024-02-19 05:16:16
Campaigners are trying to save a rare early mural by one of Britain’s most celebrated post-war artists after it emerged that the building it is in is at risk of demolition as part of a redevelopment project in south London.
As reported by Day.Az, citing foreign media, the work of William Mitchell, who has created dozens of large-scale public murals and sculptures since the 1950s, is located in the village council in the Blackheath conservation area and could be demolished along with the building to make way for several new houses.
The mural, which was completed in 1958, is considered the best-preserved example of Mitchell’s early work. It was created by combining 13 custom panels that Mitchell cut and filled with resin.
The Brooklands Park estate where the work is located was seen as a leading example of ambitious post-war housing with green space and tasteful design.
Mitchell, who studied at the Royal College of Art and worked for London County Council as a design consultant, created around 100 works of art across the capital, many of which were placed in post-war housing estates with the intention of beautifying them. He also designed the facade of Liverpool Cathedral and was commissioned to create a memorial for Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed at Harrods department store.
William Mitchell’s work has been threatened several times in recent years, but the Twentieth Century Society has managed to add 15 works to the national register, making him “one of the most recognized and respected muralists of the period.”
The 20th Century Society said it would like to see the building housing the artwork also preserved. “We always advocate for both to be preserved as originally intended,” the spokesman said.
Greenwich Council said it was liaising with the 20th Century Society and considering potential options for where the mural could be “appropriately relocated”.
Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel and stay up to date with the main news!