NHG Places recently unveiled a brand-new community mural at Factory Quarter, a mixed-tenure estate in Acton. The new artwork celebrates creativity, collaboration and resident voice.
The launch event brought the community together with a vibrant programme of live music and speeches.
The mural was created by David Samuel, a North Acton-based artist and sculptor whose studio is just streets away from the estate. With a strong track record in local public art—including art direction at the nearby One West Point development—David was a natural fit for a project so deeply connected to place and community.
Watch our short video below, which highlights the work behind the project and features reflections from key people involved, including David himself.
At the launch, we were treated to a captivating performance from Laila Samy, who took us on a musical journey through Egyptian music, accompanied by Tarek Al Azhary on the oud.
Alongside Laila, Factory Quarter’s very own resident DJ, Daddy Long Legs, kept the atmosphere lively with an excellent set. We also heard from David, as the artist behind the mural, John, the resident whose vision helped spark the project, James Glass, Director of NHG Places, and David Bussey, Head of Social Value at WPS.
A project rooted in the community
This project has its roots firmly in resident initiative. Following the success of a previous mural—originally inspired and driven by John, a long-standing Factory Quarter resident and dedicated community gardener—residents asked for more. We listened.
A total of 92 residents responded to our design survey, and their feedback directly shaped the direction of the new artwork. NHG Places also hosted a community engagement session, where residents selected the plants and design elements they wanted to see featured, including lavender, ornamental grasses, catmint and geraniums—many of which are grown by resident volunteers in the communal gardens.
This is placemaking in its truest sense: residents actively shaping the look, feel and identity of the place they call home.
What great collaboration looks like
This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration. We are grateful to NHG’s social value team for their invaluable support, and to our contractors—WPS, KRM, Vital Energi and PCS Construction—whose social value contributions helped bring the vision to life.
Alongside funding from NHG Places, this partnership working transformed a resident-led idea into a lasting piece of community artwork that everyone at Factory Quarter can be proud of.
If you’re ever in Acton, please do stop by Factory Quarter to see the mural for yourself—we’d love to hear what you think!
