LAMBETH TO COMMEMORATE DAVID BOWIE?
Lambeth council are looking to commemorate David Bowie’s links with the borough and are seeking people’s ideas.
In a statement Lambeth council leader Cllr Lib Peck said: “Lambeth were shocked and saddened at the loss of Brixton hero, David Bowie.
“Lambeth council would like to commemorate Bowie and are welcoming suggestions, but of course will discuss any plans with his family at an appropriate time before taking any plans forward.
“Bowie has close ties to the borough having been born in Stansfield Road, Brixton in 1947, and his mum was an usherette at the local cinema which is now the Brixton Academy. “He lived in Brixton and went to Stockwell Primary School until 1953.
“We have always been proud of his links to the area and in 2011 the Brixton Pound local currency, which was an initiative supported by the council, featured Bowie on its £10 note.
“More recently he was depicted in a mural on the wall of Morleys Brixton department store at Tunstall Road in Brixton town centre. “The painting, completed in June 2013 by Australian James Cochran, is inspired by the album cover of the 1973 album Aladdin Sane.
“Since his death there has been a wave of ideas put forward from both residents and Bowie fans across the country. “But in the first instance we are working to preserve the impromptu memorial in front of the Tunstall Road mural. “We are in contact with Morleys Brixton, the department store, about how best to do this.
“The mural itself could be locally listed to ensure it remains as a lasting tribute, in the same way that the Nuclear Dawn mural in Coldharbour Lane is protected. “Additionally the council could consider a plaque in honour of David Bowie and look at renaming a street in his honour.
“To re-emphasise, any move to permanently honour David Bowie in Lambeth will be undertaken in consultation with residents and his family.” (Source: Lambeth council press release.)
