Woolborough Lane Subway
2015
Once described as “scary” the intent was to improve this point of entry for pedestrians and cyclists by improving the drainage, installing new lighting, replacing the bollards and introducing a full-length mural throughout to make the subway more attractive, welcoming and to improve the perception of safety.
Woolborough Lane Subway is one of two subways that connect the residential area of Northgate with Manor Royal. This one is towards the eastern end and connects with Napier Way on the Manor Royal side to form part of the National Cycle Network Route 21. Zone 3 (Red)
Local arts group Ginger Moo were commissioned to produce the mural that involved the collaboration between three artists. The intent as to provide a vibrant and intensely visual artwork that incorporates and emphasises the integration between the two communities (residential and business) that are situated either side of the subway.
Through a series of workshops involving business people and residents, Ginger Moo incorporated themes from both sections of the community bound together by the colourful ribbon theme based on the Manor Royal logo to bring together aspects of the commercial and industrial area with stories of the community.
Artist: Ginger Moo
The subway marks a transition from the nearby neighbourhood of Northgate and the busy business area of Manor Royal. The artwork deliberately reflects this mix of life.
On one side of the subway, the artwork depicts elements from Northgate and more specifically the local landscape and the ‘journeys’ to and from Manor Royal. Each individual image reflects drawings and ideas created by the participants of the workshops.
The opposing side focusses on specific aspects of Manor Royal including its origins and the progression of industry.
Can you see the small pixels within the artwork? They include ‘bite size’ images and phrases volunteered by the workshop participants, to inject a quirky and intriguing elements to draw you into the piece of artwork and become an interactive part of the design.
