I was invited by artist Charys Ellmer to contribute some photographs for a new community mural that was unveiled last week down at Brixton Police Station. I’m incredibly proud - and inspired - by seeing the finished piece of art up close down at the Cop Shop.

The montage of images reflects the unique Transpontine feel of Brixton, both past and present. It doesn’t attempt to paint a picture of complete harmony. Conflict features, but also the sense that despite some testing circumstances, Brixton really is a brilliant, brilliant place in which to live.

Charys describes the project by stating:

“The mural is made up of contemporary and archival photos of Brixton, the community and the police in a bid to reflect the vibrant culture and history of the area. It will be situated in the main entranceway, and is designed to promote good relations between the police and community.”

No one is suggesting that a piece of public art will lead to an overnight love-in between the police and the public. But the new front space at Brixton police station would look incredibly bare and foreboding without the splash of colour reflecting the feel of the community.

Charys adds:

“The photos I have chosen to use showcase the works of many talented photographers who have generously allowed me to use their images for free, giving public access to stunning documentary and portraiture that capture the independent spirit of the community.”

My own contribution pretty sums up my personal Transpontine life: ice hockey, basketball, the edges of Brixton and into Sunny Stockwell, the Lambeth Show and yep, the lovely lido.

I went for a look at the mural on Monday morning, to see how the overall project comprising of different photographers actually works.

It’s a remarkable presentation. It’s impossible to narrate the story of Brixton (whose story?) along one large wall at Brixton nick. Charys has managed though to capture the obvious Brixton pointers, as well as some parts of Brixton life that seemed to have slipped off the semi-official timeline.

Half the fun in looking at the photographs is to identify the time and place. The Purley Kings and Queens on the steps of the Town Hall was a personal fave. The iconic image of social campaigner Olive Morris proves that a picture really can paint a thousand words.

The Teddy Boys of the 1950’s are not something that you usually associate with this part of town. The old clock tower at Brockwell Park is a timely addition - newly restored and looking just as good now as within the original photograph.

Just down the BIG slope of Brockwell and the original bathing pond of Lake Brockwell is also displayed.

Here be the Lovely Lido, 2014 style.

Steams trains pass through Loughborough Junction (as they still occasionally do…)

Nelson Mandela of course passed through Brixton Rec back in 1996 and is one of the strongest images that appears on the mural.

The Academy and Brixton Market take up plenty of space. You can never go wrong with some images from Stockwell Skate Park.

Do give the mural five minutes of your time if you are passing through Brixton Police Station - either ‘on business’ or simply being slightly nosey. The whole idea is to break down some of the barriers between that rather fearsome looking front desk and the community.

The Officer on duty on Monday morning was most accommodating, allowing me to snap away at the snaps.

I wish I had my obsessive camera head on back during the early ‘90s, and started capturing EVERYTHING from Day 1 of my Brixton.