I met Stephanie - (The Headteacher at Alexandra Primary school) at Myddleton Road Market in Bowes Park. She liked my work and asked if i'd consider painting a mural in their playground
“I love Jo’s designs and her unique way of capturing buildings and people, so I was really delighted when she agreed to take on the mural project and I knew we would end up with something very special.” (Stephanie Clarke)
I was drawn to the scale of the project, and the potential impact it could have on the school and it’s community
“I wanted a piece of artwork in the playground that would enhance the environment for the children. The initial aim was to brighten up a very dull, grey fence but designing something that would be reflective of our diverse school community and unique to our context became the primary focus.” (Stephanie Clarke)
Both keen to involve the children I held workshops at the school and we drew characters together, picking out features, accessories and activities that represent the children at Alexandra Primary. From here I drew out a plan for the mural on a long sheet of paper. It began with the school children and transitioned through local landmarks (Alexandra Palace and Wood Green), then an underground journey into central London and an iconic scene on the River Thames.
I painted the mural over six weeks, through playtimes, rain and sun. As I entered the playground everyday I saw the joy the colour I was painting brought to the urban backdrop. The children were attentive spectators, and the painting provided conversation and stimulus for them. I enjoyed our chats: “Is that the London Eye?”, “That’s Wood Green Station, I live near there!” They enjoyed the journey with me and watched the scene develop.
“Many of the children have identified themselves in the mural, they know that it represents them and our local area. It’s really good to hear pupils talking about the London landmarks and learning their names. I hope it helps them to feel proud of our school and locality, it’s a hopeful depiction. One child said. ‘Wood Green looks so colourful!'” (Stephanie Clarke)
I really enjoyed this project from start to finish. To have such enthusiastic spectators, who really appreciated my work was a joy! I hope the mural will inspire the children at Alexandra Primary School for many years to come.