The 2D totem pole structures were the first to be made, as seen here.
7 Sheets of plywood were used
4' x 8'
(gratitude to South Acton Timber Merchants)
Each one had to be primed first.
For external murals it is best to treat the wood,
so that it will withstand the elements.
The first sheet of ply was cut lengthways,
for the totem pole paintings
4 sheets of plywood, for the main panels
2 were cut widthways,
for the 4 predellas
(to go beneath the main panels)
Predellas are additional pictorial artworks,
they lend to the allegory in a main setting.
In others words a connected theme usually
as wide as the main artwork, but much
narrower from top to bottom.
PAINT FROM DULUX
Most of the paint was from Dulux at the
first stage of a National Competition, but
Martin's idea to use pigment tints.
This helped to achieve a greater variety
of hues/tones in constructing the images.
The finished murals were sealed with
varnish, for further protection.
Wooden panel murals are highly recommended
for community art, because they can be produced
off-location; inside; away from harsh weather;
on a flat surface and installed at a suitable site
on completion.
In addition, the ability to remove the mural panels
allows them to be installed at other locations.
The wooden mural panels lasted almost 22 years,
at the Oak Tree Community Centre in South Acton,
before the original Oak Tree Community Centre
was demolished to make way for a new one.
The South Acton Estate is now called:
'Acton Gardens'
- there are no wooden panel murals
(not yet!)
If you took part in this project and want
to add something to this website in any
way (yes Martin Frost, you too!)
it's easy contact us.
We hope you enjoy this little
history of the Mural Art,
in South Acton,
from Isabella Wesoly
(aka Mrs. Demetriou)
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