Street art

The Trust wanted to find a way to commemorate Tom's life and at the same time highlight its objectives. This became possible when a local street artist - Eine - offered to spray paint an art installation near where Tom was killed.

Anyone living in Hackney will be familiar with Eine's giant spray-painted letters on shop window shutters and street walls. He rocketed to fame in 2009 when David Cameron's wife chose one of his prints for the Prime Minister to give to President Obama during their visit to the USA that year. 

The Trust approached Islington Council to allow it to use a wall in Old Street, close to the studio where Tom was working. Planning was agreed subject to approval by the residents at the adjacent housing estate. This was given in January 2010, but it took a further seven months before the Trust received formal approval for a period of one year.

A word was chosen that would make full use of the 70 by 8 feet available, and create questions in the minds of the thousands of people passing by. 'CHANGE' is a plea for people to think about what they can do to make their communities better places for young people to grow up in. That was what Tom was doing when he was killed, and something the Trust wants to do through its support for the arts as a way to reach people and change them. 

Within the space of a few days, the red brick wall was faced with sheets of marine ply and sealed by a builder who knew Tom and the family. Eine completed the painting almost overnight, and at no cost to the Trust, with the promise to maintain it during the year it stays up.

Eine will be producing a limited edition print of his image, which will be sold to raise funds for the Trust. Details will be available shortly.