Rare Greenwich mural preserved for future generations

A mural that was rediscovered in Blackheath while preparing for the construction of much-needed new council homes is to be restored and relocated to a local primary school. 

The Brooklands mural was commissioned as a public artwork in the 1950s and is one of the best-kept examples of artist and sculptor William Mitchell’s work. 

Mitchell's importance is marked by the fact that he has more artworks listed on the national register than any other post-war artist. 

The mural was installed in a now-disused community centre on the Brooklands Estate, with its importance coming to light during works to prepare for the building of new council homes, which will be let to local people on the housing register. 

The council worked with local residents, ward councillors and the Blackheath and Twentieth Century Societies to successfully bid for funding from Heritage of London Trust, helping to pay for work to conserve and restore the artwork. 

Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development Cllr Majid Rahman said: “From the time we learned of the cultural significance of this mural, located on a site where we are building much-needed new council homes, it has been our priority to protect and preserve it for future generations.” 

“Working together with local residents, ward councillors and the Twentieth Century and Blackheath Societies has been a crucial part of this process, reflecting Our Greenwich mission to make sure we listen to communities.”

“We are delighted that with help from Heritage of London Trust this rare example of William Mitchell’s work will be restored and moved to a place where it can enrich the lives of young people in our borough.” 

Following work to thoroughly clean and restore the mural it will be moved to Brooklands Primary School, located just 250m from the original site, for pupils to learn about and enjoy. 

They will also be taught about the techniques and technology used to restore artwork during the installation. 

William Mitchell’s works include the fibreglass reliefs on the doors of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, the iconic Egyptian Staircase in Harrods, Clifton Cathedral’s Stations of the Cross in concrete, and a striking mural in the Curzon Cinema, Mayfair.  

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Mitchell’s birth, adding further historical resonance to the restoration project. 

The mural is currently in storage and will be installed at the school this autumn.