A Southall-born artist has unveiled a new community artwork celebrating the area’s history, with further pieces planned as part of a project involving residents and schools.
‘Stronger Together’ was officially released this month as part of the ‘Southall Stories’ art installation on the Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge.
Gurdish Haugsdal, who grew up in Southall, was selected following an open call by Ealing Council to work with residents and other artists to develop the artwork.
She said: “It’s important to be reminded how community spirit has helped us resolve and push through things in the past.”
Haugsdal worked with six other artists and some students from Blair Peach Primary School to help create the artwork, including re-visiting her own primary school.
“It was a really nice experience visiting seven to ten year-olds and getting their thoughts,” she said.
“They represent the future.”
The project was funded by the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, a central government program that has provided £3.5billion in local investment funding from April 2022 through March 2026.
‘Stronger Together’ took two weeks to paint and includes features that represent Southall’s vibrant history.
Some of these include the creator of Bend it Like Beckham, Gurinder Chadha, charity and women’s activist group Southall Black Sisters, and musical pioneer Jim Marshall who created guitar amplifiers used by rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townshend.
Haugsdal said the reaction from residents quickly went from curiosity to positivity and people would stop to speak to her about their own history, often surprising her with their stories.
She added the piece brought colour to the area and as time went on, people started to consciously keep the bridge clean.
‘Southall Stories’ does not end with ‘Stronger Together’ – a third artwork is planned for Southall station, with organisers also considering a fourth piece.
Featured image credit: Gurdish Haugsdal at gurdish.com
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