Myddelton primary pupils in front of their artwork

FAMOUS figures from Clerkenwell’s radical and colourful past have been included in a new mural painted by schoolchildren.

The artwork by pupils at Hugh Myddelton Primary School, was unveiled last Thursday on the hoardings surrounding a disused public toilet in Clerkenwell Green.

Earlier that morning pupils from the school choir performed You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket or Two at St James’ Church, also on the Green. Charles Dickens’ street thief Artful Dodger operated in the area in Oliver Twist.

Emily Thornberry MP with Year 5 artists Hannah, Felix and Eliyas alongside Mayor of Isington Marian Spall

Hannah Halil, 10, who was giving people a tour of the mural, said: “This area actually has a very, very long connection with politics of protest.”

The artwork was made with help from artist Paul Butler and was funded by Islington Heritage, an arm of Islington council.

The mural outside the Town Hall

Emily Thornberry, Islington South and Finsbury MP, was given a tour of the radical mural by the students. Recalling with mirth a story of Lenin, who features in the mural, she said: “[Pointing to the Crown Tavern pub] That’s where Lenin met with Trotsky. And there was a guy from the Secret Service who was supposed to be in a cupboard.

“He was asked afterwards what they said and he said, ‘I’m really sorry, I don’t speak Russian’.”

Commenting on the artwork Ms Thornberry added: “The children showed real enthusiasm, which is what they should have, because they’re living in a unique bit of London.”