New mural hailed for capturing Lewisham’s vibrancy and creativity

Artists, poets, musicians and community leaders gathered in Lewisham Shopping Centre to celebrate the official launch of ‘Lewisham’ – an eye-catching new mural in Lewisham town centre. 

The launch event, hosted at the Migration Museum in the main shopping centre in Central Square, saw Lewisham creatives and community leaders gather for an evening of music, poetry and film. 

Those gathered were treated to performances from poet Henry Stone and musician Kevin Bonne-Asirifi, as well as the premiere of a short film documenting Gaurab Thakali’s creation of ‘Lewisham.’ 

The story behind the artist is a powerful one. Gaurab left Nepal aged just 15 and was made to feel at home in this corner of South London. 

His mural was chosen by residents in a competition last summer, and commissioned by Landsec, in partnership with We Are Lewisham, London Borough of Culture 2022. 

In a speech at the event, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, said she was ‘truly inspired’ by the creativity and talent on display. 

Lewisham Shopping Centre director Paul Redden said: “Lewisham town centre has always been an area buzzing with locally-inspired art and creativity, and we’re proud that as owners of the shopping centre it’s now home to such a powerful and beautiful new piece of art available for everyone to see. 

“I encourage everyone to come down and take a look.” 

Edison Huynh, ward councillor for Lewisham Central, said: “The mural launch was a truly uplifting event, and a real showcase of the massive talent we have here in Lewisham. 

“The mural vividly portrays the borough’s community spirit and the way it celebrates diversity, particularly through its music and culture. 

“It is a fitting outcome of Lewisham’s year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022 and encapsulates much of what makes the borough so special.” 

Pictured top: The Lewisham Mural (Picture: Ollie Dixon)