Walthamstow’s walls come alive: a giant animated mural unveiled at Priory Court estate

Walthamstow just got a whole lot brighter. A dazzling new six-storey mural has been unveiled on the Priory Court estate, and it’s not just big, it moves. This eye-catching piece of art, titled The Priory Court Unity Banner, is the first permanent mural in the estate’s 80-year history and one of the largest animated murals in the UK. 

The creative force behind the mural is the internationally acclaimed artist INSA, known for his signature “GIF-ITI” style, a mind-bending blend of street art and animation. But this wasn’t a solo act. INSA teamed up with Wood Street Walls and The Digital Story Company, and most importantly, the residents of Priory Court Estate who co-created the design. 

Over 60 residents shared their stories, memories, and creative ideas in workshops and interviews, helping shape the mural’s design. Young people got hands-on experience learning painting and animation techniques, while the estate’s beloved older residents’ group, The Bees Knees, stitched their creativity into the project. Their hand-sewn fox appliqués, a type of ornamental needlework, fringe the mural, adding a personal touch to this towering tapestry. 

So, what’s in the mural? At its centre stands a willow tree, symbolising deep roots and living connections. Ornate stitching pays tribute to the estate’s skilled sewers and the legacy of William Morris. And a series of Earth flags and lunar cycles celebrate the rich diversity of Priory Court’s global community. And here’s the twist, this mural moves. Using INSA’s GIF-ITI Viewer app, residents and visitors can watch the artwork come to life through augmented reality. Just point your smartphone and watch the magic unfold.  

The project was made possible thanks to funding from Clarion Futures, Clarion Housing’s charitable foundation, and the Wates Group, who help maintain Clarion’s homes at Priory Court; the council, who welcomed the mural on their housing block; and Impact Roofing, who generously donated the use of a scissor lift to help paint the towering piece. 

INSA shared his thoughts on the project, saying: “My goal at the beginning when we started was that if I was going to do a community mural, I would want the community to feel engaged and pleased and proud.  

“All kinds of ideas have come from the residents, but then as a painter, I really wanted to challenge myself to create a 3D effect and create a kind of banner. It's a reference to old Union banners, the history of sewing on the estate and in factories in Walthamstow. I really wanted it to look like maybe even the residents have tied it at the top and unrolled it and presented it to passers-by.  

“I genuinely felt lucky that I had the ability to give this gift to Priory Court. I felt very happy that this is a small gesture of the power of painting in people’s lives.” 

Kate Hampel, Project Manager and Founder of The Digital Story Company CIC, said: “This is the first time we have taken on a community arts engagement project of this size, and I was genuinely humbled by the scale of the debate about how the estate should be represented.  

“Everyone was involved in a discussion about images, symbols and representation which was magnificent! INSA and Wood Street Walls were open to new ideas and applied such skill and sensitivity to the approach.  

“But this project was not just about the mural; we ran a lot of workshops and took on two young trainees who were integral to the project from start to finish. The final product is genuinely a reflection of the passion and the imagination of the estate community and INSA’s ingenuity, and for that I feel immensely proud.”  

Mark Clack, Founder of Wood Street Walls, said: “For Wood Street Walls, we have been exploring how to work with Priory Court residents on a large-scale project like this for six years - working with the residents, INSA and The Digital Story Company has been one of the most fulfilling projects since we started over 10 years ago. From the community and resident input, working with the apprentices who we are looking forward to working with again to the end result, this truly is an example of co-design and co-duration in the public realm done the right way. 

Matt Parsonage, Head of Communities at Clarion Futures, said: “We’re proud to have supported this fantastic project which celebrates the history of the Priory Court estate and has been brought to life thanks to the stories and memories of those who live there. Young residents taking part in our social action project delivered in partnership with The Digital Story Company have been key to the project’s success, bringing local people together to help shape INSA’s vision for a mural which puts Walthamstow on the map.” 

Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Congratulations to the Priory Court estate residents for co-creating this mural masterpiece. It marks a significant milestone in our borough’s cultural landscape. Not only does it enhance our public spaces, but it also celebrates the very best of the estate – residents' voices, stories and talents of the community.  

“What’s most exciting about the Unity Banner is how young people helped shape it from start to finish. They learned new skills, shared their ideas, and helped create something lasting for their community. This mural shows what’s possible when we give young voices the space to lead.” 

“I’m so proud to see local stories turn into this bold and beautiful artwork. So next time you’re in Walthamstow, look up as you might just see art in motion and a community’s story told in colour, stitch, and spirit.”