Paul Street Boys Mural appears in Bloomsbury

A new mural paying tribute to Hungarian writer Ferenc Molnar’s classic novel ‘The Paul Street Boys‘ has taken shape in a playground in Bloomsbury.

Invited to paint the piece by the Hungarian Cultural Centre in London. The two artists Iamsuzie & Cokestd created their interpretation of it on a derelict wall inside the Alf Barrett Playground on Old Gloucester Street.

thepaulstreetboys_2 — The Paul Street Boys mural in the Alf Barrett Playground in Bloomsbury

Mural in Bloomsbury

Often described as one of Hungary’s most important novels. The Paul Street Boys is also one of Hungary’s most translated. It follows the story of a group of friends in Belle Epoque Budapest protecting their playground from another group. The area, just a derelict patch of ground on a building site, becomes a symbol of freedom for them.

Intending to evoke images of childhood. The positioning of the mural in the playground highlights the importance of having a place where children can be themselves and have fun. Just around the corner from Great Ormond Street and close to the famous child friendly Coram’s Fields. The area itself is famous for it’s advances in children’s healthcare.

thepaulstreetboys_1 — The mural was painted by Hungarian street artists IamSuzie and CokeStd

The artists themselves, both Hungarian, have styles which blend nicely together. IamSuzie’s playful characters are set against the abstract backdrop created by Cokestd. The mural itself depicting the boys holding a red and green flag which for them symbolizes the playground and their neighborhood.

The mural can be found at Alf Barrett Playground, 32 Old Gloucester St, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AD. It was organised by Szines Varos (Colourful City) in cooperation with Global Street Art and all photos are courtesy of them. You can also learn more about the history of Bloomsbury by having a look at this walking tour. You can also learn about Bloomsbury’s literary history by having a look here.