Nuclear Dawn mural, Brixton
[Original mural in 1981. Courtesy of London Mural Preservation Society]
Nuclear Dawn is the title of a foreboding mural on the wall of a Victorian-era building in Brixton, South London. Painted in 1981, the artwork provides a visceral representation of a time of escalating international tensions, when a nuclear strike felt a real possibility.
Once a troubled area of London, gentrification has transformed Brixton into a hipster destination to rival Shoreditch or Camden. Hidden behind trees on the other side of Coldharbour Lane from the thriving Brixton Village indoor market, few notice the landmark that is now languishing in a worsening state of deterioration and vandalism.
Indeed, locals are increasingly anxious that a proposed redevelopment of the derelict building could spell the end for one of London’s most striking murals.
The mural was painted by Brian Barnes with the help of Dale McCrea and twenty other residents of the Carlton Mansions; at the time, a thriving co-operative housing community. It was funded by the Arts Council, the Gulbenkian Foundation, the Greater London Arts Association, and a £2,000 grant from Lambeth Council's Inner City Partnership Fund.
Measuring 25 sq. m, the artwork depicts a huge Grim Reaper-esque skeleton standing over London as a nuclear mushroom cloud erupts behind. The skeleton is adorned with the flags of nuclear weapon nations. One hand drops bombs over Brixton, where a miniature version of the mural can be seen.
Over the figure’s shoulder flies a white dove merging into the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) logo. Below the figure, in bunkers beneath the Houses of Parliament, are a handful of world leaders including then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, then-US President Ronald Reagan, and Prince Charles.
Over the years, natural deterioration – through weather and the encroachment of ivy – and the increasing amount of graffiti, has left the mural in a state from which it may not be recoverable. A substantial piece of vandalism committed in March 2017, has almost completely obscured the London landscape in the bottom half of the mural.
[Mural in 2017.]
The London Mural Preservation Society (LMPS) has been monitoring the condition of the mural over recent years and have expressed their alarm over its future, particularly since Carlton Mansions was earmarked for a major redevelopment in 2014, following the eviction of the building's residents.
The redevelopment scheme includes the neighbouring Somerleyton Road and will see the relocation of Ovalhouse - a fully-accessible, fit for purpose, and sustainable modern theatre. The wider project will comprise nearly 300 new homes, community and health facilities, a shop, social enterprise and training opportunities for young people.
[Proposed redevelopment. Image © Ovalhouse]
Although the proposed plans for the new theatre include the restoration of the mural, the LMPS and others have expressed their fears that those behind the development will not hesitate to have it permanently removed should the opportunity arise.
The editor of local newspaper Brixton Buzz told Designing Buildings Wiki; "Gentrification has already seen Brixton lose much of its unique character so it's important that this mural is preserved. There's talk of getting the artwork restored through crowdfunding but there seems little point until the building's future is secured."
In response to an inquiry from Designing Buildings Wiki regarding the project's intentions for the mural, Deborah Bestwick, Director, OvalHouse said; "The theatre has been designed to leave a public space in front of the mural, and that the protection and preservation of the mural is within the brief that has been put out by Lambeth to procure the contractor to build the theatre and refurbish Carlton Mansions. Once the contractor is known we will talk to them about how to move forwards."
Without any assurance in writing, LMPS have organised a petition to demonstrate the support for the mural's restoration as a local landmark and powerful piece of community and political history. As of July 2017, the petition has attracted nearly 1,300 signatures. You can sign the petition here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
BRE/BEIS project to modernise home energy rating scheme
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has announced a new project with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to improve and modernise the home energy rating scheme used to measure the energy and environmental performance of UK homes.
Interdisciplinary IHBC accreditation recognised by CSCS for PQP Cards
Sector lead the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has recognised the IHBC’s professional accreditation and support (CPD etc.) in awarding its PQP (Professionally Qualified Person) cards.
IHBC Heritage Marketplace provides learning-led virtual engagement
The IHBC’s 2022 Aberdeen School Heritage MarketPlace (4.30-7.30PM, 15 June) is designed to extend the scope of a traditional IHBC School exhibition floor.
Unearthing the history of Gloucester’s 'the Fleece' Hotel starts
Work to repair a fire-hit medieval hotel in Gloucester is underway as crews have started work to strip back some of the modern trappings and reveal the historic framework.
Booking Open for IHBC Annual School: Aberdeen, 16-18 June 2022
Options for in-person and virtual delegates to explore ‘heritage on the edge’ across up to 4 days of IHBC engagement & learning.
European Heritage Heads Forum statement on Ukraine
The Secretariat to the European Heritage Heads Forum has has coordinated its declaration of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s cultural heritage institutions.
Welcome to #IHBC25 – 25 years since we turned professional
2022 will see the IHBC mark a quarter of a century since our incorporation as a professional body supporting and accrediting built and historic environment conservation specialists. We’re kick-starting it by inviting your ideas on how to mark this special year!
IHBC launches new Guidance Note on ‘Design sources for historic building conservation'
The IHBC’s latest Guidance Note adds to the institute’s open-access, online practitioner’s Toolbox.
England’s communities empowered to shape design of neighbourhoods
Twenty-five areas in England from Bournemouth to Carlisle have been awarded a share of £3 million to help them set their own standards for design locally. "move from a vicious circle of generic development to a virtuous circle of regenerative development".
IHBC at COP26 - Conserving our Places Conserves our Planet - Podcast
The IHBC seeks to raise awareness and understanding of how building conservation philosophy and practice contributes towards meeting the challenge of climate change.
Comments