With The Brentford Canal Sheds Community Mural Project

It is Brentford's greatest work of art, at least in size. Yet the talents behind this new public painting are virtually anonymous – some out of modesty, others as young offenders.

A short while ago this was an historic wall made ugly by X-rated graffiti, spoiling the canal sheds, a listed building. Now it is a gigantic stream of colour 200 yards long depicting life on the water, from barges and bargees to birds and voles (and an alarming rat).

It's official title is The Brentford Canal Sheds Community Mural Project and it was created jointly by Positive Arts, the Canal and River Trust and Hounslow Youth Offending Service. It's been specially treated to resist graffiti and boaters moored alongside are thrilled. One said: 'It's brilliant. We hope it stays.'

It is a further step in the council's strategic plan to increase use of the towpath between the high street and the Great West Road.

Music: Blackheart by Deuxvolt, courtesy of the Free Music Archive.

John Dale

December 2, 2014