Public Art / Vinyl Murals for Soho Estates
Vinyl Mural Installations in Soho, London for Soho Estates
Two street-facing vinyl mural installations delivered in 2024.
Commissioned via Kenningham Retail on behalf of Soho Estates, the projects responded to two very different conditions: a vacant retail frontage in need of presence, and a construction hoarding that had become visually neglected.
Both interventions show how considered surface work can shift the tone of a street without altering its architecture.
Context
Manette Street operates as a key pedestrian route into Soho from Tottenham Court Road. It’s a place people pass through quickly, but also somewhere first impressions matter.
In both cases here, the surfaces were functional but visually flat. One unit struggled to attract the right long-term tenants. The other had become a canvas for repeated tagging, dragging down the immediate surroundings.
The aim was simple: introduce considered, contemporary visual identity while respecting the architectural and cultural character of Soho.
Ilona Rose House – Glass Vinyl Activation
A large vacant retail unit on Manette Street lacked visual pull.
The intervention used printed and cut vinyl applied directly to the glass facade. The composition invited passers-by to see into the space while bringing bold colour and form to the street. The result operates as both artwork and subtle invitation, signalling opportunity without relying on conventional retail signage.
Layered dichroic (colour-shifting) and mirrored vinyl elements enhanced key messaging and added movement as light conditions changed, keeping the frontage animated rather than closed off.
The result was confident but controlled. Following installation, the unit saw a clear increase in interest and ultimately secured culturally aligned long-term tenants.
House of St Barnabas – Hoarding Wrap
Construction hoarding outside the Grade I listed House of St Barnabas had become heavily tagged, affecting the appearance of the surrounding area.
A full vinyl wrap was designed and produced as aligned printed panels, installed to form a continuous mural across the hoarding.
Rather than relying on defensive anti-graffiti measures, the project introduced deliberate, high-quality artwork. When a surface feels intentional, it is treated differently.
The intervention improved the immediate streetscape and supported the wider estate’s visual standard across neighbouring properties.
Delivery
Both projects were developed from concept through to print-ready artwork and production coordination.
I led design and oversaw material specification and print management, with installation carried out alongside a specialist vinyl fitter from Puck Studio.
Working at street level within active public environments required precision alignment, efficient install and careful material specification to ensure durability and finish.
Outcome
These works show how temporary surface installations can create lasting impact.
Whether reintroducing energy to a vacant frontage or bringing intention back to a neglected hoarding, the interventions strengthened street presence without permanent structural change. They improved perception, reinforced identity and supported long-term asset value within commercially sensitive environments.
Project Details
Client: Soho Estates (via Kenningham Retail)
Location: Manette Street & Greek Street, Soho, London
Year: 2024
Surface: External glass facade and construction hoarding
Medium: Large-format printed vinyl
Role: Lead artist, design, production management, on-site installation