New mural arrives in Bruce Grove

The public artwork is part of the Pride in Bruce Grove project, aimed at improving underused spaces, reports Olivia Opara

Bruce Grove Mural 14APR23 – Photogrpaher: Stephen Furner

A new mosaic mural to celebrate the diverse heritage of Bruce Grove was installed last week.

The mosaic is a 18 square metre glass tiled tapestry-like artwork weaved together to create an imaginative map of Bruce Grove, featuring key figures, places and historical events such as the Tottenham Carnival, Bruce Grove Youth Centre, Bruce Castle and Walter Tull, former Tottenham resident and one of English football’s first Black players.

The mosaic is mounted to the wall under Bruce Grove railway bridge, designed to demonstrate its role as a junction and meeting point for different areas of Tottenham. The mural was co-created by local residents, businesses, community groups and resident artist Anna Nicolo in a workshop as part of the Pride in Bruce Grove project – part of Haringey Council’s Tottenham High Road programme.

Anna, who lives in Bruce Grove, is an Italian illustrator and graphic artist whose work is influenced by her graphic design background. She often combines bold geometric shapes with hand drawn elements to create playful and uplifting artwork.

Anna said: “It’s been great for me to be involved in the project and to learn about things that I did not know about the area that I live in.

“I hope that the mural will be able to teach others, both the old and young, about the history we share, and inspire them.”

The Pride in Bruce Grove project encourages the use of neglected public spaces by improving the area, so far including three artistic installations designed by local communities – providing opportunities and support for local businesses.

The first installation was a painted wall mural completed in summer 2022 which can be found behind Holcombe Market. The third and final installation will comprise planters and lampposts to be installed in the alleyway near Scotland Green in the coming weeks.

Cllr Ruth Gordon, cabinet member for council house building, placemaking and development, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to install an incredible new mosaic in Bruce Grove. It’s a beautiful piece of public art, and it’s made even more special by the fact that it was created by local residents to highlight the diverse stories, places and people of Bruce Grove that they want to celebrate. I’d like to thank all the residents who’ve taken part together with local artist Anna Nicolo.

“This is part of our Pride in Bruce Grove project, which is empowering local communities to create public artworks in the Bruce Grove area. It’s such a wonderful example of how we can work together with our residents to improve our public spaces. I look forward to watching this project develop as Bruce Grove continues to go from strength to strength.”

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