Jeru Nomi Murals added to Thamesmead Street Art Trail

Murals from Jeru Nomi have been created on a rooftop in Thamesmead. Covering a series of circular air vents, the new works are inspired by the local area and will form part of the Thamesmead Street Art Trail.

“I was really spoilt for choice when it came to designing this mural” says Jeru. “There was just so much to take in”. Taking inspiration from both the brutalist architecture of the area as well as its history and local wildlife.

Jeru Nomi painting as part of the Thamesmead Street Art Trail. Photo courtesy of Director Dero

Crossness Pumping Station

“The first thing that caught my attention was the Crossness pumping station“. An elaborately designed Victoria building it was completed in 1865 from designs by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and Charles Driver. The interior in particular having some of London’s most ornate ironwork. Although the purpose is for the processing of sewerage, the building of it was a major statement for the time. Motifs from the pumping station having inspired a repeat pattern in the backdrop of the mural.

Located above Southmere Lake, the mural pays tribute to the local wildlife. Photo courtesy of Director Dero

Nature and Architecture

Located on Hartslock Drive and overlooking Southmere Lake the murals are also in the shadow of some of the areas iconic brutalist architecture Within the works these are referenced alongside some of the local wildlife. The proximity of the lake and the River Thames, providing the area with a unique array of birdlife.

Brutalist architecture surround the murals and are featured in the work from Jeru Nomi. Photo courtesy of Director Dero

Princess Alice Tribute

Another key feature of the murals from Jeru Nomi is the inclusion of the SS Princess Alice. The artist wanted to honour the tragedy which saw the loss of around 650 people in the nearby Thames. A paddle steamer the victims had been enjoying a day trip to the seaside. On the way back at around 7.40pm the Alice was involved in a collision with the Bywell Castle, a coal carrying collier. It cut the Alice in two at Tripcock Point, a bend in the river close to Thamesmead.

The SS Princess Alice is included which was involved in a tragic accident nearby on Tripcock Point. Photo courtesy of Director Dero

Unique Stories

“My thought process was that these unique traits and stories would contrast nicely with the surrounding nature that is found in and around Thamesmead” said Jeru. Her work joining nearby pieces painted by local artist Paige Denham. Taken together they form part of the Thamesmead Street Art Trail commissioned by Peabody. The project aiming to enhance the built environment with public art.

Seven artists have been commissioned for the 2023 Peabody Street Art commission. The artists and murals were supported by Peabody and chosen by a panel of art experts and local residents after applying as part of an open call for submissions. The murals from Jeru Nomi can be found on Hartslock Drive next to Southmere Lake in Thamesmead. You can follow Jeru Nomi on her instagram here.