The writings on the walls…

In October 2006, the Downham Cultural Consortium commissioned Mark Haywood to create a series of artworks to be permanently displayed at the Downham Health and Leisure Centre. 

The public art pieces are made from interlocking words cut from 12mm Birch faced plywood with cast resin in fill’s.  They are composed of over 80 quotes collected from local residents inspired by the themes of healthy living and life long learning. 

Community participation was central to help create the buildings ‘personality’ and ownership for all users.  Between November 2006 and January 2007, Mark led workshops with three local primary schools, the 999 Club, Downham Way Family Church, Elderly Health Project, Tamil Association and the Wesley Halls Youth Club.

The participants produced hundreds of drawings and collages to develop the art pieces.  Storyteller Richard Neville collaborated in a number of workshops, with the help of his accordion and harp, collecting and reciting local stories.

The project was funded by the National Lottery Awards for All Scheme, Lewisham Council, Lewisham Primary Care Trust, Barclays Bank, Leisure Connection, Linteum Architects, Walker Morris Solicitors, Alfred McAlpine, Dyer Associates, Press and Starkey Quantity Surveyors.