Save South Acton's Big Bird murals by ATM

The Issue

Street artist, ATM, painted the Snipe and the Grey Partridge on the walls of the South Acton Estate as part of his Big Bird series which draw attention to local wildlife and the fact that urbanisation is leading to the disappearance of certain species. This is an iconic series of bird paintings that bring real beauty to urban landscapes and have received attention from the national press as well as inspiring local communities. Ealing Council are going to knock down the building that's the home of the Snipe and the Grey Partridge. We would like them to preserve these incredible artworks either by incorporating them into the planned rebuild or relocating the walls that they're painted on. Please support us by signing this petition.

avatar of the starter
Gilded BirdsPetition Starter
Media enquiries
This petition had 165 supporters

The Issue

Street artist, ATM, painted the Snipe and the Grey Partridge on the walls of the South Acton Estate as part of his Big Bird series which draw attention to local wildlife and the fact that urbanisation is leading to the disappearance of certain species. This is an iconic series of bird paintings that bring real beauty to urban landscapes and have received attention from the national press as well as inspiring local communities. Ealing Council are going to knock down the building that's the home of the Snipe and the Grey Partridge. We would like them to preserve these incredible artworks either by incorporating them into the planned rebuild or relocating the walls that they're painted on. Please support us by signing this petition.

avatar of the starter
Gilded BirdsPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

Ealing Council
Ealing Council
Responded
“Ealing Council is delighted that so many people have enjoyed the temporary art installations at Hardy Court and Charles Hocking House. Ealing Council was approached by Acton Arts Forum with a proposal for local artists to use old blocks earmarked for demolition as a canvas to temporarily showcase their work. The council agreed to this and funding was received from the developer, Acton Gardens, which contributes £50,000 each year towards community-based initiatives. A subgroup of the elected South Acton Community Board approved this funding. ATM’s work is only part of the collection produced as part of the art project. The artwork was always designed to be temporary because the old blocks will shortly make way for a brand new community hub that will provide local people with a community hall, dentist surgery, supermarket, a new base for youth services, a local housing office and flexible meeting and desk space for the many voluntary groups operating in the area. There will also be approximately 280 new homes in this phase of the redevelopment – over half of which will be affordable housing, the majority of which will be prioritised for existing council tenants from South Acton and let at social rent levels. Ealing Council has investigated the possibility of preserving ATM’s artwork. Unfortunately doing so would not be practical or affordable because removing street art from buildings is time-consuming and extremely expensive. Funding on the South Acton redevelopment is severely limited because the council is providing a high proportion of affordable homes and homes at social rent levels. The South Acton project remains a community-led regeneration scheme and substantial funding has been set aside for public art within the new development. The first installation will be going up soon at the site currently being developed near South Acton Overground station and the existing allotments. A resident group recently chose the well-known local artist Carrie Reichardt to provide a permanent artistic work for this great new open space. More artwork will follow in later phases, including the new park proposed as part of the community hub phase. A large new granite-paved community square is also being created and there will be a coffee shop and outside seating. Most of the existing trees will be retained and boosted by a substantial scheme of green, sustainable planting. You do still have some time to enjoy ATM’s work. Hardy Court isn’t scheduled to be demolished until spring 2016, and Charles Hocking House around a year later. The council agrees with the sentiments raised in this petition and regrets the artwork cannot be retained. However, the council is working within very limited budgets and the provision of much needed affordable housing remains a priority. Nonetheless Ealing Council is keen to continue working with Acton Arts Forum to create new works of art as the regeneration of South Acton continues. ”
Dave Colley
Dave Colley
Regeneration Manager

Petition Updates

Share this petition

Petition created on 5 October 2015