06 Mar Museum of London unveils Greatest Hits mural to celebrate 45 years at London Wall
Monday 26 September 2022 – Museum of London today unveils a new mural from artist Willkay to celebrate key moments from its 45-year history at London Wall and items from its collection.
From Romans to punks, Suffragettes to Olympians, Vikings to The Beatles, the 13-meter wide mural, titled Greatest Hits, captures iconic moments from the capital’s history through items in the museum’s collection. It features illustrations of items from the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, the Donald Trump baby blimp, jewellery from the Cheapside Hoard, the world’s largest Elizabeth and Jacobean collection, an underground station shelter during the Blitz, scenes from Notting Hill Carnival, and a section of a fatberg from London’s sewers, among others.
Willkay, said: “I am very honoured to have been selected to create an original mural for Museum of London, celebrating the city I love. I wanted to offer something to visitors that would make them smile, engage and share an emotional connection to London’s evolution. The mural presents change, freedom and creativity in our great city. Not all memories are great, but I believe it is important to celebrate every part of life and history. I hope it inspires artists all over London and the world.”
Willkay’s previous work includes artwork for #stormzybirthdaybash, a celebration of the artist’s 23rd birthday and brand collaborations with Adidas and G-Star Raw among others. In 2020, he published his first book of poetry, titled Cloned Hallucinations: Thrive, with Oddkingdom.
In addition to the mural, the artist created a panoramic illustration for Grime Stories: from the corner to the mainstream, one of the museum’s headline displays that will close the site. Co-curated by Rooney ‘RiskyRoadz’ Keefe and featuring Grime pioneer Jammer, the exhibition explores grime’s roots in east London and the community at its heart.
Located at the museum’s entrance, the artwork is inspired by objects and photographs from the 7-million-strong collection, showcasing some of the historic and contemporary highlights that visitors can see one last time at London Wall, the museum’s home for over four decades.
The museum’s shop will have a mural-themed offer from today, including a tea towel, a tote bag, and a magnet.
The museum will close at London Wall on Sunday 4 December 2022, in preparation for its move to West Smithfield, where it will open under a new name: The London Museum. The Museum of London Docklands will remain open to visitors with a major exhibition Executions opening on 14 October 2022.