Calls for Hackney’s Dalston Peace Mural to be protected
A new campaign has been launched to save one of Hackney’s most iconic – and colourful – landmarks.
Environmental group OPEN Dalston have joined forces with the London Mural Preservation Society to restore and protect the Hackney Peace Carnival Mural and celebrate its history with a series of events.
Experts say the artwork in Dalston Lane, which was created to commemorate the 1983 Hackney Peace Carnival, is in generally good nick – but they would like to remedy water damage to the top and graffiti on bottom of the piece.
They also hope to take specialists inside the council-owned building to assess its condition and discuss its future with town hall bosses.
“We are not implying that anything detrimental is about to happen but we are trying to get in there early to make sure nothing does and that the mural is given its rightful place,” said Marie Murray of OPEN Dalston.
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“The mural is very much about Hackney and is a much-loved Dalston landmark – it features local people and in celebrating it, we want to introduce young people to it as well as newcomers to the area.”
The mural is one of only two murals remaining from a six commissioned by the Greater London Authority and portrays Hackney as a nuclear-free zone.
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Its designer Ray Walker died of a heart attack at the age of 39 before he had a chance to start painting and his friend Mike Jones and wife Anna completed the work. Campaigners hope to include them in the celebrations.
A town hall spokesman said the building that the mural was painted on had been identified for protection and refurbishment under the Dalston Area Action Plan.
“The council appreciates the cultural significance of the mural and is working to identify resources to restore and preserve it for the long-term.” The spokesman added that the council was happy to work with campaigners.
If you know anyone who appeared in the mural or to get involved in the campaign, email Marie at info@opendalston.net.
