A bold new artwork has been completed in London, with designs from Liverpool-based independent creative studio Smiling Wolf.
Memories of Wandsworth is a bold new artwork that forms part of the transformation of Falcon Road Bridge in Clapham Junction, and is a celebration of local heritage and community spirit.
Described by the London Festival of Architecture as a “testament to the power of collaboration and placemaking” it has turned one of the area’s busiest underpasses into a brighter, more welcoming gateway.
The wider project, Transforming Falcon Road Bridge, was launched as an open call competition for the London Festival of Architecture, with the winning entry led by GPAD and POoR Collective. Commissioned by Wandsworth Council in partnership with Network Rail, the proposal puts community engagement, sustainability, and safety at its heart, reflecting the rich cultural identity of Wandsworth.
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As part of the project, Smiling Wolf were commissioned to create an original artwork spanning both sides of the 100-metre underpass. Developed in collaboration with local people, Memories of Wandsworth celebrates the borough’s landmarks, stories, and shared identity – ensuring the community’s voice is literally woven into the finished space.
The artwork brings to life familiar sights such as Arding & Hobbs and The Grand, the lavender once grown on Lavender Hill, and the candles made at Prices Candle Factory. It captures the cherry blossom of Battersea Park, the energy of Clapham Junction, and the hidden Falcon Brook flowing beneath the streets. Hidden within the composition is the Battersea Bee, an enduring local symbol of community and collaboration found in the mosaic tiles of the Battersea Arts Centre.
Each panel has been screen-printed by enamel specialists AJ Wells onto vitreous enamel. With limited designs possible due to project constraints, Smiling Wolf developed a modular, angled grid system that allows images to flow across multiple panels, creating variety and rhythm without repetition. The bold, simplified illustrative style and vibrant colours draw inspiration from local artist William Mitchell’s murals, embedding a true sense of place within the design.
Simon Rhodes, creative director at Smiling Wolf, said: “We are thrilled that this exciting project is now underway.
“We’ve injected colour and local pride into this space, celebrating Wandsworth’s rich history through murals that feel joyful, inclusive, and distinctly local. The community played a vital role in shaping these designs, and it’s been a privilege to help bring their stories to life in such a public and permanent way.”
The bridge transformation also includes new lighting by Sutton Vane Associates, landscaping, and safety improvements, all of which has been delivered by the wider project team.
