A set of vibrant murals adorning boarded-up buildings in downtown London has become the unlikely centre of a passionate community discussion, with residents sharply divided on whether the artwork enhances or detracts from the city’s core.
The murals, which feature bold blue and pink colour schemes, were discovered and shared by a local resident who expressed their love for the artwork while seeking information about the artist behind the pieces. The colourful displays cover wooden boards that have been placed over vacant storefronts, creating an unexpected canvas in the heart of the city.
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 is also known for his text painting work on Joe Kools windows and was commissioned to create these particular murals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The artwork was specifically designed to cover blank plywood that had been installed to discourage windows from being smashed during the pandemic period. What began as a practical solution to protect vacant properties has evolved into a talking point about downtown revitalization and the role of temporary art in urban spaces.
However, the murals have generated significant controversy among London residents. Critics argue that the artwork serves as a superficial distraction from deeper issues affecting the downtown core, particularly the prevalence of empty commercial and residential buildings.
One particularly vocal critic described the murals as “an attempt to distract you from the empty building,” arguing that instead of commissioning artwork for wooden boards, property owners should focus on developing the spaces for commercial or residential use. The criticism extends to the inclusion of the property owner’s name on the murals, which some residents view as self-promotional rather than community-minded.
The debate has highlighted broader frustrations with downtown London’s vacant properties, with multiple residents expressing concern about the number of boarded-up buildings owned by prominent local developer Farhi Properties. Community members have noted that these particular murals include messaging that was perceived as performative, including references to supporting frontline workers during the pandemic.
Despite the criticism, some residents have defended the artwork as an improvement over blank plywood. Local community members acknowledge that while the murals may not address underlying issues with vacant properties, they represent a step forward from completely bare boards covering storefront windows.
The murals are located across multiple streets in the downtown area, with some positioned near Richmond Street and others spread throughout the core. The artwork spans different locations, creating a connected visual experience for pedestrians navigating the downtown area.
Unfortunately, some of the murals have faced vandalism issues, with people writing on them with markers. This has led to certain pieces being painted over with grey paint, removing the original artwork entirely. Other murals in similar locations have been covered with plexiglass to protect them from damage and allow for easier cleaning.
The discussion around these murals reflects broader concerns about downtown London’s development and revitalization efforts. Residents have expressed frustration with the prevalence of vacant buildings and the challenges of attracting businesses to the core area, with some noting that certain locations have remained empty for years despite their prime positioning.
Long-term residents have observed that particular downtown locations have struggled with vacancy issues for extended periods, with some buildings remaining largely empty except for occasional tenants. The conversation has touched on broader municipal planning discussions, including previous proposals for city hall expansions or relocations to downtown buildings.
The murals represent one of many artistic installations throughout downtown London, with community members noting that other murals in different locations offer more elaborate or aesthetically pleasing designs. The artwork has become part of an ongoing conversation about how temporary installations can contribute to urban aesthetics while larger development questions remain unresolved.