New hoardings artwork celebrates history of Walworth

4 December 2018

New hoarding has gone up around Walworth Town Hall featuring artwork from graphic artist Kerry Lemon.

Drawing Out Walworth is a new piece of temporary public art commissioned by Southwark Council and supported by Lendlease. The work features a range of creatures, plants and local architecture all found in and around Walworth in the past or present.

The Grade II listed building has been surrounded by hoarding since it was damaged by fire in 2013.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning, said: “The area around the town hall has changed significantly recently with the completion of the new Walworth Square and the installation of the new Southwark Memorial sculpture.

“The new hoardings celebrates the heritage of the Walworth road with this distinct and creative artwork which will brighten up the area and compliment the new square.”

Kerry said: "I was so excited by the challenge of designing illustrated hoardings across 95 meters, and have loved working on this project. Walworth has a rich and fascinating history and it was a pleasure to immerse myself in the research.

“I chose to celebrate a number of unique elements from the area but I was most intrigued to discover the historical Royal Surrey Zoological Gardens which rivalled the Regents Park zoo. This is why you find the giraffe, lion and elephant as such prominent parts of the design. I enjoyed their surreal nature when juxtaposed with the rather more expected local garden birds, butterflies and insects from the area.

“I hope that the design brings pleasure to the residents and visitors and intrigues people to find out more about Walworth's wonderful history."

The hoardings were arranged by a working party that included representatives from the local community, a free lance arts consultant, Lendlease and Southwark Council. For a full explanation of the elements that make up the artwork, and the history behind them, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/wth

Meanwhile, the consultation is now open on two proposals for the future of Walworth Town Hall – go to consultations.southwark.gov.uk/planning-and-regeneration/wthbids to have your say.

Page last updated: 04 December 2018