A London artist and twenty of her friends have spent the last twenty years decorating the front of her house to represent her life story. The ‘unusual and distinct’ and highly colourful mural gets a largely positive reaction from local people in Chiswick, although some of her neighbours are more critical of her artwork.
The front of the house has been completely covered in a mosaic, described by some as tattoos or graffiti .
People who live on the street have both praised the artwork, claiming it brings happiness and tourism to the area, while some dismiss it as “graffiti”.
The mosaic comprises an estimated million-plus tiles and has taken innumerable hours of work by artists from around the globe. The artist, Carrie Reichardt has said the work is: “autobiographical and every bit tells a story of my life at a specific time.”
One of the scenes within the mural is of letters Carrie wrote to a prisoner on death row whom she befriended prior to his execution. Other features include artist Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave’, political messages, an octopus, occult symbols and The Simpsons.
Locals say the mural brings cheer to the neighbourhood and enjoy seeing people coming to look at it. However, it does have its critics. One called the mural ‘juvenile’ and said they felt sorry for those living next door to the property.
Do I need planning permission to decorate my house?
Ealing Council confirmed that planning permission had not been sought for the mural but said that, as no breach of planning had been reported, no enforcement investigation had been necessary. This action would need to have taken place within four years and so would not now be possible as the work has been in existence for so long.
You do not normally need planning permission for making improvements to the outside of your home. For minor exterior maintenance works or improvements, such as painting your house, you do not need planning permission. However, this is not the case for listed buildings and conservation areas, or where there is a written agreement in place.