Full Steam Ahead For The Turnham Green Railway Bridges Project

The landmark mural will give a fresh look to the area

An impression of what the mural will look like

Abundance London's ambitious project to transform the area under the railway bridges at Turnham Green Terrace, has made major progress. The web site is now live and they are making a last push with fundraising. They hope to have the mural installed over the summer to brighten up what was an abandoned and dreary area outside the tube station.

More details have been revealed of the £50,000 project, which will consist of a mural 54 metres long and 2.5 m high. An artwork of historic maps is being created on vitreous enamel tiles representing the Chiswick loop of the River Thames, dating from 1610 to the current day.

The tiled timeline of historic maps showing the development of Chiswick through the centuries, from a tiny riparian village, through the Palladian era of Lord Burlington, and the creation of the world's first Garden Suburb, will be interspersed with works of art depicting local landmarks by some of the world-renowed artists who live and work in our area, from Sir Peter Blake to the late Mary Fedden, William Hogarth, to Johan Zoffany.

Sir Peter has created a new work of art depicting the famous music hall, The Chiswick Empire, where artists such as Laurel and Hardy, Cliff Richards, and Liberace appeared. The collage is in the 'pop art' style made famous in his Sergeant pepper record cover. A limited edition print will be available for sale to raise funds for the mural at a cost of £225. The work by Sir Peter has not yet been revealed to the public.

Tiles depicting historical maps of various of Chiswick will be on sale for £30

Jan Pienkowski, a well known illustrator of children's books ( Meg & Mog) has also created a new work for the mural, depicing a Russian Orthodox cathedral. Local resident Marthe Armitage who creates exquisite hand-printed wallpapers, has created a beautifully detailed lino-cut of Chiswick House Gardens. Martin Rowson, Guardian cartoonist, has created a 'burlesque' of Chiswick's Hogarth roundabout in the style of William Hogarth, depicting modern life and congestion.

The Abundance team of Karen Liebreich and Sarah Cruz, who spearheaded the project, are still seeking one more picture to complete the timeline. They have asked locals to help them find a painting of Chiswick from WW2,( preferably a painting instead of a photograph).

Funding for the project has come from Hounslow Council ( S106 monies were lobbied by Chiswick councillors, particularly John Todd), and from Transport for London TfL), which agreed, after lobbying, to support the mural instead of a previous plan to use the site for advertising. Fuller's Brewery has also contributed as have some local businesses.

Locals can also help out with the final push of fundraising by purchasing some special items with links to the project. Or if you – or your business – would like to be named on the mural, that is also possible for a minimum donation of £500. Go to the website for further details.

Quality jute shopping bag with a map of Chiswick from 1745 for sale for £12.00: Stockists include Potpourri Florists or Foster Books on Chiswick High Road; Whisk Cookery or Top Hat Cleaners in Devonshire Road; Marmalade Fine Jewellery on Turnham Green Terrace.

March 30, 2017