Andrea Rangecroft

London’s Murals

Gary Drostle's Love Over Gold Mural, Deptford

Murals dot walls and buildings all over London but many people don’t notice they’re there and much less know the history behind the ones in their neighbourhood. The brightly coloured paintings have been used for all sorts of political and cultural messages over the years and bring a strong sense of local identity to an area.

But murals are not just being overlooked by passers-by. Their numbers are dwindling every year as they’re painted over or buildings are destroyed and few new murals are being commissioned.

In this programme, Andrea talks to Ruth Miller from the London Mural Preservation Society and hears the personal and political stories behind two murals in Stockwell, South London. She also visits the studio of mural and mosaic artist Gary Drostle to find out why opinions are divided on these public artworks and hear about his connection to preserving a piece of Dire Straits memorabilia.

Listen to the show (MP3)