Colourful new mural brightens up primary school playground

Local artist Jo Gold was invited by the headteacher of Alexandra Primary School to paint the mural using pupils and local landmarks as inspiration

Jo Gold with the mural at Alexandra Primary School

A school playground has been brightened up with a colourful new mural painted by a local artist.

Jo Gold was hired to paint the mural at Alexandra Primary School after meeting headteacher Stephanie Clarke at Myddleton Road Market in Bowes Park.

Both were keen to involve the children in the creation of the mural and Jo held workshops at the school. They drew characters together, picking out features, accessories and activities that represent the children at Alexandra Primary School.

From there Jo drew out a plan for the mural on a long sheet of paper. It began with the school children and transitioned through local landmarks such as Alexandra Palace, followed by an underground journey into central London to see the River Thames.

Jo painted the mural over six weeks, through playtimes, rain and sun. She explained: “As I entered the playground everyday I saw the joy the colour I was painting brought to the urban backdrop. The children were attentive spectators, and the painting provided conversation and stimulus for them.

“They enjoyed the journey with me and watched the scene develop.”

Stephanie said: “I love Jo’s designs and her unique way of capturing buildings and people, so I was really delighted when she agreed to take on the mural project and I knew we would end up with something very special.

“I wanted a piece of artwork in the playground that would enhance the environment for the children. The initial aim was to brighten up a very dull, grey fence but designing something that would be reflective of our diverse school community and unique to our context became the primary focus.

“Many of the children have identified themselves in the mural, they know that it represents them and our local area. It’s really good to hear pupils talking about the London landmarks and learning their names. I hope it helps them to feel proud of our school and locality, it’s a hopeful depiction.”

Jo added: “I really enjoyed this project from start to finish. To have such enthusiastic spectators, who really appreciated my work was a joy! I hope the mural will inspire the children at Alexandra Primary School for many years to come.”

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.