A series of mosaics have been hung from redundant hanging basket frames along Chase Side to celebrate local history and local people

Southgate art trail (credit Amanda Eatwell) — *A Portrait of Southgate* mosaics now hung along Chase Side (credit Amanda Eatwell)

A new public art trail has been unveiled in Southgate as a way to “reflect the rich diversity of the local area”.

Commissioned by Enfield Council, A Portrait of Southgate depicts local history, local heroes and places of interest.

The trail consists of 28 individual mosaic roundels that are suspended from redundant hanging basket frames along Chase Side, Southgate’s main shopping street.

The work is the result of a collaboration between Alex McHallam and Liz Tiranti, two artists specialising in using mosaics in their work. The finished art trail was a collaboration with the community, however, as local people were encouraged to suggest where the work should be and what they felt it should depict, as well as being invited to help make them.

The artists also worked with pupils from Durants School and visited a memory café, as well as local art groups, to make sure that everyone had a chance to be involved.

Themes covered include the story of Enfield Chase as a royal hunting ground; early local industry such as a blacksmiths and ice wells; tea-maker Thomas Lipton who lived locally; the Walker family, famous for their cricketing prowess; The Royalty nightclub, part of the jazz funk scene of the 1980s; plus the iconic Southgate Station designed by Charles Holden.

Alex said: “Local reaction has been very positive – a walk around the mosaics in May drew a large crowd and the mosaics regularly keep popping up on social media.

“Each mosaic has its own story, and the best thing is that the mosaics are a permanent addition to the area. So next time you’re going up Chase Side, don’t forget to look up!”

Southgate’s diversity is also celebrated by a series of mosaics depicting a bird from different geographic regions.

For more information about A Portrait of Southgate:
Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/5370/widgets/119299/documents/81130

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