Seven street artists will begin to give a run-down area of Stockwell a makeover tomorrow in a community led attempt to deter anti-social behaviour. The first “paint jam” to kick start the new street art gallery takes place from 9am this Saturday (25 November). Organisers want to encourage anyone interested in street art or the community-led project to go along to Stockwell Lane on Saturday to see it all happen.
Stockwell Lane that connects Sidney Road and Stockwell Road had become a magnet for litter, fly-tipping and drug users. The Lane ironically was original called “Love Lane” until the 1930s.
The man behind the idea, local resident and former Lambeth councilor Steve Bradley, was also involved in the earlier Van Gogh Walk project.
Bradley commented: ““Stockwell Lane is a grotty area with problems of litter, fly-tipping drug taking and rat-running. London has lots of neglected back-roads, so there was no incentive for the council to do anything to improve this particular one. By working with local residents and businesses, we’re turning this unloved laneway into a vibrant new space for high quality street artists to exhibit their work. This will bring some much-needed colour and art to the area, make the laneway a destination for those who love street art, and provide a strong reason for the council to invest in improving the layout of this forgotten corner of Stockwell”.
Illustrations here are previous examples of work of the street artists who will be participating.
The artists involved include ‘Aspire’, ‘Woskerski’ and ‘Airborne Mark’. London Calling will be curating the new street art gallery and will photograph and document the installations on www.LondonCallingBlog.net . Every few months anew ‘paint jam’ will replace the art pieces there with new installations.
