Shining a Light on Barking's Heritage
Bertie Sampson, of Immersive-Me, created the mural magic which illuminated and animated Jake Attewell's Heritage Mural, in Barking's Short Blue Place, last week - bringing Barking's past into the present for new generations of residents to enjoy! This was made possible by Be First Regeneration with the support of the National Lottery's Heritage Fund! 
The light-show brightened up a cold, dark November evening and inside a TSA classroom family friendly craft activities took place: 
There were opportunities to create mini murals and mosaics and decorate gingerbread - a traditional food of St Ethelburga Fayres at this time of year, in Barking's past...
Fabulous florescent face paints and glowing jewellery were available alongside craft activities
McDonald's restaurant, whose gable wall is painted with the new mural, and brightly lit during the event, kindly supplied children's drinks for the event and the TSA a warm space and hot drinks for the adults!
Mural Magic event - shining a light on Barking's heritage, in Short Blue Place The event would not have taken place without the dedicated Barking Heritage Volunteers who are stalwarts of the project - researching at the Local Archives (who sourced the old photographs and images which inspired the mural), guiding and supporting the artists and local schools, and bringing the stories of the past to life for new audiences!
Heritage volunteers: Lesley, Sue, Felicity, Alex & Eric with Council Leader Darren Rodwell, artists Jake Attewell and Tamara Froud and Simone Panayi (heritage project engagement)
Photographer: Andrew Baker
Tamara Froud's new mosaic of the National Lottery's latest Heritage Fund logo - funders of the Heritage Mural and Art TrailTamara Froud, the talented mosaic artist who created the Central Hall mosaic, also in Short Blue Place, and a lovely logo of the National Lottery's Heritage Fund, opposite Jake's mural will be installing further stunning heritage mosaics around Barking in the new year. A bronze model of Barking's historic Abbey, in front of the Curfew Tower, will join the heritage mosaics and mural in 2022 as part of a new heritage art trail for the town centre!
Maquette for bronze model of Abbey, by Setworks - which they have kindly donated to the project and was shown at the eventWe will keep you posted on the progress of the trail and improvements to the public realm in front of the Curfew Tower, as well as the restoration works on the old buildings along East Street and Station Parade! Please also see the Be First article about the Mural Magic event, with video clip: Mural magic shines a light on Barking’s heritage – Be First London
If you would like to find out more about the project, including funding for restoration works on old buildings in the town centre, please contact: Simone.panayi@befirst.london
