Urban Eden: Exploring Southeast London’s Clash of Art and Nature

Inspired by a new tree mural in Finsbury, rumoured to be a Banksy masterpiece, Nettle set out to discover the hidden gems of nature-inspired street art. 

Nettle took to the streets of South-East London to see what street art could be found. With nature as Nettle’s muse, it was refreshing to see so many artists not only integrate the essence of nature into their work but physically transfer the soul and spirit of nature into the concrete jungle’s grey streets. Art emerges as an expression of our subconscious desires and experiences, and it is clear nature is something that resonates within us all – So what better way to bring the streets alive than through beautiful colourful nature-themed murals… 

East Dulwich’s eye-captivating kingfisher mural brings the buildings to life on Lordship Lane 

Kingfisher mural, Lordship Lane, East Dulwich
Photograph: Taken by Anna French

The common kingfisher comes to life in a dazzling display of colours, creating an inviting visual experience for onlookers. It’s not just street art; it’s a living testament to the power of creativity, an ode to the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us in our natural world. This mural doesn’t just adorn the walls; it transforms the entire atmosphere, injecting a jolt of excitement into the mundane. As you stand before this captivating masterpiece, you can’t help but feel the pulse of the city syncing with the rhythm of nature. 

Tales of Time mural on Choumert Road, East Dulwich  

Dog mural on The Victoria Pub, East Dulwich
Photograph: Taken by Anna French

As you stroll down Choumert Road in East Dulwich, prepare to be enchanted by a humble house adorned with a captivating landscape mural. Blending countryside charm with London’s dynamic spirit, this artwork bridges tradition and modernity. Against a backdrop of rolling hills, the classic windmill design is contrasted with sleek, futuristic turbines. An old RAF plane glides gracefully through the sky, while a double rainbow adds a touch of magic to the ever-changing cityscape below. This mural tells a tale of evolution, inviting passersby to explore London’s artistic soul. 

The lurching lurcher on The Victoria Pub, East Dulwich  

Dog mural on The Victoria Pub, East Dulwich
Photograph: Taken by Anna French

Welcome to The Victoria Pub, East Dulwich, where you will find a larger-than-life mural capturing the essence of England’s deep affection for our furry companions. A majestic, albeit slightly eerie, grey lurcher, curiously sniffs the air against the backdrop of a rainy sky. It’s a scene that perfectly captures the quintessentially British spirit, celebrating our affinity for our loyal companions in a way only street art can. In a bustling urban landscape, what better canvas could there be for this masterpiece than the weathered brick wall of a beloved local pub?  

Flower on the dog-pee pillar, London Bridge 

Flower mural, London Bridge Photograph: Taken by Anna French

Here mother nature and London’s concrete jungle become entangled as a dog spends a penny on a gorgeous mural flower located outside London Bridge. This photograph captures a four-legged friend mistaking this vibrant piece of nature art for the real deal.  It prompts an interesting question about the future of green spaces in London – as the city evolves, could illustrated art be the last reminder of nature left for us to appreciate (or pee on)? 

World Peace on Cold Blow Lane, New Cross 

Witness global leaders steering a missile through the cosmos, colliding with symbols of unity – the peace sign and a graceful dove. As the dove gracefully leads the way, flanked by flourishing greenery, the mural conveys a powerful narrative of nature’s dominance over the turbulent forces of war and politics. Standing as a powerful testament to a future where nature, love, and peace emerge as the prevailing forces shaping our universe. 

World Peace Mural, Cold Blow Lane, New Cross
Photograph: Taken by Anna French