Volunteers across the borough by Emma Barnie

Location: Lewisham Shopping Centre, South Mall exit (opposite NatWest)

About the Legends:  

This artwork is dedicated to all the incredible volunteers and organisations who give up their time to make a positive difference in the community. From food banks to online support services to befrienders – thank you for the work you do. 

Art Description:

This artwork is dedicated to the Volunteer Lewisham Legends. The community spirit can be seen through the flow of the seven rainbow colours. The dolphin in this alternative coat of arms represents charity; and the unicorn, magic and virtue. The opened phone box (based on the nominated Under the Rainbow community hub in a repurposed telephone box) represents the connection, kindness, wonder, and resourcefulness of all of the Lewisham community-led volunteer organisations and individuals.

About the artist:

Emma Barnie is a mural artist in SE London who creates bespoke artworks for and with the community. She loves bringing walls to life through creating site-specific and playful artworks; particularly through fusing group participation, stories and archives; and designing fantastical pieces.

She has painted public art commissions for Sutton, Lewisham and Southwark Council and Greenwich Heritage; murals for Hatcham, the Albany, and participatory murals for the Hithe and The Ivy House. She has also facilitated and led the painting of murals with clients from Single Homelessness Project, and has run community arts programmes with Entelechy, Lewisham Homes and Studio 3 Arts. Barnie graduated from Lewisham School of Muralism in 2021.

Find out more about the artist: Emma Barnie.