Henry Charles Lawrence Mural

Henry Charles Lawrence Mural

As the seasons changed, we marked a significant milestone in our public art programme with the completion of our tenth mural.

German artist Jack Lack creatively interpreted the arrival of Henry Charles Lawrence in Chatham, after moving from his hometown of Cambridge.

Having worked in some of the country’s finest gardens, Henry made Chatham his home in 1868, bringing with him all his knowledge of flowers and plants to town.

He set up a nursery at the top of Albany Road, where he lived, and opened a shop with a greenhouse above at 2 High Street, selling a variety of flowers and seeds. He also helped amateur gardening groups and judged several competitions, and represented Luton as a ward councillor for six years.

Henry’s arrival is brought to life on a four-storey block by Jack Lack’s signature style: the softness of edges blending into wide fades, integrating the mural into the urban environment.

Located in Oakum Court, this mural was made possible thanks to landlord mhs homes and their tenants, who kindly donated the wall. We also thank S.E.I. Drones for providing drone photography.

If you have a wall or local story you would like us to consider for future murals, please get in touch.

by Jackson Fraser-Hague

William Mason Mural

William Mason Mural

September has been a busy month for our public art programme, with our ninth mural now completed.

Brazil-born, UK-based artist Liam Bononi interpreted the story of Luton resident and Shorts Brothers employee, William Mason.

William dreamt of building and flying his own aircraft, and one day his dream came close to reality.

Living in Magpie Hall Road, a fully built aeroplane crafted by him and his family stood in their back garden in September 1939. With a pilot’s licence in hand and collapsible wings designed so it could be towed, William had planned every possible detail.

But on the day of its test flight the Second World War broke out, grounding all private aircraft. Although William waited patiently for peace, hoping at last to take to the skies, post-war restrictions meant he never flew his plane, named the Luton Minor.

Through his artwork Liam creatively explores William’s mix of passion and excitement when creating his plane, and the disappointment when it cannot fly.

Located in Joiners Court, this mural was made possible thanks to landlord mhs homes and their tenant, who kindly donated the wall.

If you have a wall or a local story you would like us to consider for future murals, please get in touch.

by Jackson Fraser-Hague

Erica Stuart Mural

Erica Stuart Mural

This summer we unveiled our eighth – and largest – mural to date in Chatham.

Covering a four-storey block, Dutch artist Ricardo Van Zwol painted the remarkable Luton resident and campaigner, Erica Stuart.

Erica played an instrumental role in transforming seven acres of derelict allotments, at the top of Albany Road, into Luton Millennium Green.

Determined to create a space for local children to play, over several years she worked alongside the late Janet Western, from Medway Council’s community development team, and partners to make it a reality.

Opening on 15 September 2000, the park has provided a vital green space for the surrounding diverse and growing community for 25 years and counting.

Located in Sawyers Court, this mural wouldn’t have been possible without mhs homes, who kindly donated the wall, and Erica Stuart for her support throughout.

If you have a wall or local story you would like to have considered for future murals, please get in touch.

by Jackson Fraser-Hague