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BLAKE'S HEAVEN

15 May 2009

David Yuill
dyuill@southwarknews.org

Dozens of delighted residents joined local schoolchildren and artist Stan Peskett as the Goose Green mural was officially unveiled on Sunday afternoon.

After a week of solid graft on the 30-foot wall that overlooks the children's playground in East Dulwich, the California-based artist told the 'News' he was delighted with the result.

"It is a real achievement to have turned this around," he said. "We finished it late on Friday evening and everybody has worked so very hard. The children have been great and the work of the local artists and my two daughters have combined to restore this monumental piece of local history - and I am very pleased with the outcome."

Mayor of Southwark, Eliza Mann, cut the ribbon just after 1.30pm as part of the Dulwich Festival Fair, before adding some touching words thanking the community for their involvement.

Contemporary artist Remi Rough, who lives in nearby East Dulwich Road, was pleased to have added his touches to the finished article. He said: "I bring my daughter to the swings here everyday and it's a real piece of the local history - I remember walking past it when I was younger.

"It's great to have been involved. I added the little light flashes going under the bridge as Stan wanted to bring the piece up to date a little."

More than 30 large boards were painted white and designed by the Year 3 pupils of neighbouring St John's and St Clement's Primary School.

Proud deputy head Anna Harding added: "The children are all so proud. I just can't believe it.
“It feels like a little bit of St John’s and St Clement’s for the local community, it's just great."
William Blake's Vision of Angel's was first painted on the wall in 1993 by Peskett and the local community.

But falling foul of graffiti and some wear and tear, Southwark Council daubed almost half of the mural with fluorescent blue paint, without telling Peskett or the local community.

After a 'News'-headed campaign, the council forked out £4,000 and invited Peskett over to oversee the mural's revamp. Councillor Jeff Hook, executive member for environment at Southwark Council, said: "This is a great piece of artwork, and it's thanks to the efforts of local people and funding of our parks department that we're able to give it a new outing."

One local resident said: "Some credit must go to the council. After their obvious mistake, they have been quick to put their hands in their pockets to get it right. But well done Southwark News and Denise [Fulgoni] at the Friends of Goose Green for getting this done."