A LASTING LEGACY: THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE MURAL AT ELTHAM HILL
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A powerful mural created by Eltham Hill students stands as a lasting tribute to Stephen Lawrence, celebrating his life, ambitions and legacy while encouraging future generations to continue conversations about equality, justice and positive change.
Stephen was just 18 when he was murdered in a racist attack in Eltham in April 1993. More than three decades later, his life and legacy continue to have a profound impact on British society and on the community in which our school is rooted.
The mural was created by a group of Year 9 and Year 10 students, who worked on the project in sections each week over much of the academic year. Supported by artist and project coordinator Melissa Roskell, students were closely involved in developing both the artwork and the ideas behind it.
Rather than focusing solely on Stephen's death, the students wanted the mural to reflect who Stephen was, the future he should have had and the things that mattered to him.
Among its carefully considered details is a blue, blueprint-inspired skyline representing Stephen's ambition to become an architect. Students explained that they wanted people viewing the mural to remember Stephen as a young person with interests, talents, ambitions and plans for his future.
The mural also incorporates words and imagery chosen to communicate hope, courage and the responsibility each generation has to challenge injustice. One of the lines included in the artwork, “You don't have to be afraid of what you are,” comes from Mariah Carey's Hero. The song was released in 1993 and Mariah Carey was one of Stephen's favourite artists.
AN IMPORTANT MOMENT FOR OUR SCHOOL
The completed mural was officially unveiled by Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Stephen's mother, in July 2024.
Speaking at Eltham Hill, Baroness Lawrence thanked the students for their commitment to the project and reflected on Stephen's continuing influence. She told students that she often wondered what Stephen himself would think about how widely his name is now known and the contribution his story has made to British society.
For the students who created the mural, the project was also about ensuring Stephen's story continues to be understood by younger generations.
One student, Hafsah, spoke to BBC London about the importance of educating young people so that Stephen's story continues to be remembered. Another student, Jamila, explained the thinking behind the skyline, emphasising that the group wanted viewers to recognise Stephen as a person with aspirations – someone who wanted to grow up, pursue a career and make his mark on the world.
MORE THAN A MURAL
For Eltham Hill, the mural is more than a piece of artwork.
It represents the importance we place on equality, education and giving young people the confidence to understand the world around them and contribute to changing it for the better.
Its location within our school gives students the opportunity to encounter Stephen's story not as a distant historical event, but as part of the history of their own local community. Through researching, designing and creating the mural themselves, students were able to explore difficult questions while also creating something hopeful and lasting.
The project reflects our belief that education should give students opportunities to listen, question, create and take an active role in shaping a fairer society.
The mural will remain at Eltham Hill as a permanent reminder of Stephen's life, his ambitions and the continuing importance of standing against racism and injustice.
EHS Presentation
EHS Staff views
Explore the full gallery to see the mural taking shape and photographs from the official unveiling.
THE OFFICIAL UNVEILING
Watch highlights from the official unveiling of the mural at Eltham Hill School.
The unveiling and the students behind the project were also featured by BBC News and BBC London.
Read the BBC News feature: Stephen Lawrence mural: Eltham school unveils mural.
