Anyone who’s familiar with Lewisham in south London will recognise Glass Mill Leisure Centre, famous for its swooping lines and eye-popping, multi-coloured exterior, and often referred to as ‘Elmo the Elephant’.
Unsurprisingly, when local primary school pupils at Ashmead Primary School were given a project to identify nearby, prominent buildings to inspire artwork, they chose Glass Mill. Many of the youngsters know the centre as they go there for swimming lessons.
The children selected the building because of its colourful, chequered façade but also because they associated it with the style of well-known artist Piet Mondrian – in particular a piece of his work called, ‘Broadway Boogie Woogie’.
The resulting artwork was initially exhibited at Lewisham Arthouse but from 11 May, it will be displayed in the reception area at Glass Mill for all to see. It will remain there for a month before being returned to the school.
Glass Mill Leisure Centre is run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand in partnership with the local authority.
Matthew Houghton, GLL’s Community Sport Manager in the borough, comments, “We’re delighted that Glass Mill has provided the inspiration for such fantastic and creative artwork. We’ve got some very talented youngsters in Lewisham!”
