Campaigners and mayor Rokhsana Fiaz have unveiled a “Long Live Boleyn” mural inspired by graffiti protesting the clubs move from Upton Park to the London Stadium.
Campaigners and mayor Rokhsana Fiaz have unveiled a “Long Live Boleyn” mural inspired by graffiti protesting the clubs move from Upton Park to the London Stadium.
The new artwork in an unnamed alleyway linking Castle Street to Barking Road by street artist David Nash sits alongside his Bonds and Brooking mural painted over a year ago.
Cecilia Welsh, from the Bike to Boleyn campaign, said: “We are building on our history and creating new traditions.
“The club may have moved, but it is still accessible from Boleyn by bike.
“We are delighted that the community has come together in celebration, communicating positivity and pride in this area”.
Bike from Boleyn aims to make sure that fans still feel connected to the club by hosting community events on match days and organising a mass bike ride to the London Stadium.
David Nash said: “It’s a privilege to work on a mural that commemorates West Ham’s history and to work with Newham again.”
Mayor Fiaz had a go with the spray cans to create her own finishing touch with cyclists and well-wishers gathering at the Bobby Moore Statue in Upton Park to hear speeches that recalled over 100 years of history.
The Newham Dhol Academy musicians – better known for their performances in Glastonbury - saw them off.
The club donated 20 tickets to fans for the the West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur game on Saturday.
East Ham MP Stephen Timms said: “I support this campaign, along with the successful campaign that has retained the Bobby Moore statue as part of our heritage. One hundred years of history must not be forgotten.”
Barratt London, which is building new homes on the former Boleyn Ground supports the campaign.
Its senior project manager, Richard Hopkins, said: “Barratt London is proud to be contributing to this important initiative, which helps bring the community closer together, and promotes cycle safety, health and wellbeing in the borough.
“Since we started at Upton Gardens, we have looked to build a positive legacy for the area through our work with the community and council, as well as through the benefits the project will deliver to all involved.”
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