Colourful murals covering boarded-up buildings in downtown London have sparked a heated debate. Some residents love the artwork. Others see it as lipstick on a pig.

The murals feature bold blue and pink designs painted on plywood covering vacant storefronts. A local resident shared photos of the pieces online, asking who created them.

According to community members familiar with the project, the murals were created by Rich Denomme, a local artist whose Instagram handle “@denommesigns” appears on one of the pieces. Denomme also did the text painting on Joe Kools windows and was commissioned for these murals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The artwork was designed to cover blank plywood that had been installed to discourage window smashing during the pandemic. What started as a practical solution has turned into a flashpoint about downtown’s vacant properties.

Critics aren’t holding back. One commenter described the murals as “an attempt to distract you from the empty building,” arguing that property owners should be developing the spaces for commercial or residential use instead of commissioning artwork for wooden boards.

The criticism extends to the property owner’s name appearing on the murals. Some residents view this as self-promotional rather than community-minded.

The debate has exposed broader frustrations with downtown’s vacant properties. Multiple residents have pointed to boarded-up buildings owned by prominent local developer Farhi Properties. Community members noted that these particular murals include messaging about supporting frontline workers during the pandemic, which some perceived as performative.

Not everyone’s slamming the artwork. Some residents defend the murals as an improvement over blank plywood. Local community members acknowledge that while the murals don’t address underlying issues with vacant properties, they’re better than completely bare boards.

The murals are scattered across multiple streets in the downtown area, including near Richmond Street. They create a connected visual experience for pedestrians walking through the core.

Some of the murals have faced vandalism. People have written on them with markers, leading to certain pieces being painted over with grey paint entirely. Other murals in similar locations have been covered with plexiglass to protect them from damage and allow for easier cleaning.

Residents have expressed frustration with the prevalence of vacant buildings and the challenges of attracting businesses downtown. Some locations have remained empty for years despite their prime positioning. Long-term residents have observed that particular downtown buildings have struggled with vacancy for extended periods, with some remaining largely empty except for occasional tenants.

The murals represent one of many artistic installations throughout downtown London. Community members noted that other murals in different locations offer more elaborate or aesthetically pleasing designs.

What do you think? Are the murals a welcome splash of colour or a distraction from bigger problems?