How the underpass mural near Holloway Tube station may look

A GIANT 30ft mural could soon be adorning the “dire” underpass by Holloway Tube station after a local resident kickstarted a campaign.

After feeling the area was depressing and gloomy, last summer Paul Wise decided he wanted to do something about it – so he got in touch with a well-known south London artist and asked him to paint a mural. He then urged people to vote on the proposal on Facebook.

Overwhelmingly, the response was “yes”, and within weeks he was on a paperwork trail sorting out the logistics with Network Rail and Transport for London.

Paul Wise received strong backing for his idea in a Facebook vote

Mr Wise, a marketing executive, said: “The turning point for me? I just felt it was dire. I felt uninspired. I felt the area was getting worse.

“It’s got its fair share of social troubles outside of this particular spot. It’s dark, it’s dingy, it’s not very welcoming.

“I want to make it brighter and inspiring. It’s a step towards making the area better, it’s a catalyst. Around here there’s nothing, there’s no love.”

The mural would be 30 x 20 feet opposite the Holloway Tube station, and painted in the style of traditional railway signs by artist Lionel Stanhope, who has already completed several across London, including one paying homage to Arsenal legend Ian Wright.

Lionel Stanhope

The mural is a “nod” to the historical colours of the eastern train line – blue and red – which had a stop at Holloway and Caledonian Road from 1852 until it closed in 1915.

Mr Wise has launched a crowdfunding drive to help pay the £3,000 costs towards the artwork.

It is hoped that it will begin in May, should all the paperwork be completed in time.

“I would like to see more money in the pot and bring another artwork to the area if this one is successful,” said the Hornsey Street resident, who also wants more greenery and better lighting.

And is there anything he doesn’t wants to see? “The graffiti has to go,” said Mr Wise. So far £530 has been raised.

For more information on how to donate: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/holloway-road-artwork