Dalston Peace Mural successfully restored

The Dalston Lane Peace Mural. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

The Dalston Peace Mural has emerged from its scaffolding after extensive restoration and preservation works were completed on it last week.

The restorative work reattached the render, on which the mural is painted, to the building itself, to prevent the mural peeling away from the brickwork.

After being cleaned and repainted, the mural was also protected by a special coating designed to make graffiti removal easier.

Standing opposite Dalston Junction overground station on Dalston Lane, the mural was designed by artist Ray Walker in 1983 to celebrate ‘Peace Year’ and depicts a peace carnival held in Hackney that year.

Ray Walker sadly passed away shortly after completing the design, which was eventually painted by fellow artist and friend Mick Jones and Ray’s widow Anna.

The iconic work was featured on Rudimental’s debut album Home, which was nominated for a Mercury music prize. The group, originally from Hackney, contributed money towards the recent restorative works.

Struggle

This was not the first time that the existence of the mural had come under threat. For years locals have been concerned about damage to the mural or even demolition of the building.

After lengthy campaigning by Friends of Dalston Peace Mural, the safekeeping of the building, however, was somewhat secured when Hackney Council purchased the freehold in 2010.

Ian Rathbone, Secretary of the Friends of Dalston Peace Mural, said: “After many years of struggle to keep the mural from being damaged or removed through demolition of the building, often in the face of indifference from local authorities, the Friends of Hackney welcome the refurbishment that has been done under the auspices of Hackney Council, and the new owner of the building, and partly thanks to Rudimental, who donated cash after using the mural on the cover of their hit album.”

Mr Rathbone warned, however, that this is not the end of the story for the mural: “We must ensure there are guarantees and sufficient money in place to maintain the mural in future years. We will be continuing the struggle with others to get such murals listed as of heritage and landscape significance.”

Friends of Dalston Peace Mural hope to see more information placed at the foot of the mural about its origins and its designer Ray Walker.

Councillor Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The Peace mural has become one of Hackney’s iconic landmarks recognised the world over as a powerful statement about how people can live side by side as a tolerant, generous and peace loving community.”

Neighbours of the mural, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, are planning a community celebration day on Sunday 28 September.