Lewisham legends honoured by shopping centre murals

By Steffie Banatvala

Lewisham artists dedicated six murals to change-makers, which were unveiled at Lewisham shopping centre last Thursday.

Lewisham heroes include a black voices social activist, Buckthorne Nature Reserve protectionist, disability inclusive artist, all-ability inclusive sports provider and borough-wide volunteers.

Hundreds of residents nominated people going above and beyond, to Lewisham council online and via the mobile post-box earlier this year.

Councillor James Walsh, cabinet member for culture, said: “Social activism is in Lewisham’s DNA.

“We never dreamed we’d get such a huge response. It just goes to show how many community champions we have in the borough – they are all winners.”

Among the murals was Artist Boudicca Collins tribute, West Mall, to Sybil Phoenix for championing young black voices and transforming lives in the borough, where she has lived with husband Joe since 1963.

Molly Hankinson’s mural, South Mall, paid tribute to Ono Dafedjaiye for making creative arts more inclusive for people with learning disabilities via Deptford charity Heart n Soul, in her Soho Radio show and on The Albany board.

Ms Dafedjaiye said: “I love what I do. I’m passionate about making a difference to the lives of other people with learning-disabilities. So to be recognised for it is a huge honour. It’s so surreal walking into the shopping centre and seeing myself on the wall.”

Ms Hankinson added: “I hope that this mural celebrates her unwavering passion and advocacy for her work, as well as representing fundamental ideas which are unapologetic in their stance, in a bright, bold and celebratory way.”

There is also an interactive piece, North Square, by Shauna Blanchfield, 31, of New Cross Road, celebrating Lewisham eductors positively impacting young people.

Passers-by can pick up chalk to add a tribute to inspirations of their own educational journey.

Anna Maria Cahalane and partner Nick were honoured at Borough Mall by artist Roshn for protecting Buckthorne Nature Reserve’s rail-side habitat.

Brockley 44-year-old artist Damian Simon’s mural, South Mall exit, honoured S-Factor Athletics Academy of Ladywell Arena, for inclusive sports training and friendly competition for young people of varying abilities.

Finally Emma Barnie, 37, Nettleton Road, dedicated artwork at the South Mall exit to volunteers across Lewisham, from food banks, befrienders to online support services.

The murals were funded by London Borough of Culture 2022.

London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons, felt the murals will be an enduring tribute, as art plays a pivotal role in historical social justice movements.

Pictured top: Molly Hankinson’s mural paid tribute to Ono Dafedjaiye (Picture: Lewisham council)