Bowie mural to be listed

David Bowie mural in Brixton

Lambeth council is set to locally list the David Bowie mural beside Morleys in Brixton that became a shrine to the artist who died in January.

Local listing would protect the mural and the council is also considering renaming the area where the mural is in Tunstall Place.  The council is in contact with Bowie’s family about the many suggestions for a permanent memorial, including statues and place naming.

Cllr Lib Peck, Leader of Lambeth council, said: “It is ultimately the family’s decision as to what may be appropriate. We must respect that and be patient. Lambeth residents have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection visibly demonstrated by floral tributes, messages and people visiting the Bowie mural to pay their respects to this unique ‘Brixton boy’.

“We are also in contact with the Bowie fan club and other Brixton organisations who want to honour the memory and legacy of this extraordinary artist. We will share any word we get from his family that will determine what we do next.”

Lambeth council’s street cleaning team have been working discretely and respectfully to maintain the floral tributes but next week, the remaining flowers will be removed. The advertising contract for Bowie’s widow, Iman’s cosmetics range ends so Morleys will be removing the poster.

Lambeth council has commissioned photographs of the posters, mural, tributes and messages as a permanent record which will be mounted and given to Morleys, the 02, Pop Brixton and any other organisations that wish to display them.  Morleys will  preserve messages on the brick wall and non-perishable items like drawings and cards will be stored in the council archives.