The new piece of street art features our ‘Love Different, Love Vauxhall’ message, promoting inclusivity and the unique off-beat spirit at the heart of the area.
The mural also represents part of the history of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, with the hot air balloon graphic. The balloon design is an ode to 19th Century aeronaut Charles Green, who flew a hippo across London on a hot air balloon from Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, as well as completing a record-breaking 480-mile flight to Germany! You can find out more about his incredible story here.
Bernard Collier, CEO at Vauxhall One said:
“People have been coming to Vauxhall to have fun since 1661. The mural celebrates Charles Green’s balloon rides of the 1800s, but also Vauxhall’s culture of fun and embracing of difference. Vauxhall One is supporting this culture as the area develops and changes.“
The mural was brought to life by French street and graffiti artist Nerone (@nerone_lecoktail). His work can be seen across the world in Paris, New York, Bangkok and Marrakech.
Nerone said:
“I’ve really enjoyed working in Vauxhall and it has been a great experience despite the difficult weather conditions. Many people were curious to discover the new addition in the neighbourhood and congratulated me while I was painting.
“Compliments are always appreciated and I’m getting ready to paint more art in this amazing borough.”
Thanks to Vauxhall One’s invaluable partnership with Network Rail, it has been possible to transform this historic railway bridge into a stunning piece of public art.
Robert Hodgkinson, Franchise & Access Manager at Network Rail said:
“I am delighted we have finally created this fantastic mural in Vauxhall that represents both the historical accomplishments of the past, and the diverse, multi-cultural heartbeat, now so warmly felt in the area.
“The design, artistic talent and endeavour that has gone into making this artwork such a poignant but celebratory creation, establishes a standard for future murals and artwork still to come.
“I would like to thank Vauxhall One and colleagues at Network Rail, for their help in making this such a great success.”
Watch the mural come to life in our time lapse video!
Read Network Rail’s press release here.
