A teacher has transformed a bus stop into an art gallery for local residents in a bid to create a colourful community hub amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The gallery, which has taken over a bus stop in west London, near Turnham Green, was created by part time teacher Sarah Lamarr.
Lamarr said she started the initiative the day after the UK’s coronavirus lockdown began when she realised she would be stuck inside indefinitely with only a bland bus stop to look at.
“I just wanted to do something to brighten it up so I didn’t have to look at a grey bus stop for the next however-long,” she told Reuters.
“If you have a bus stop near you I would really encourage anyone to do the same because it’s just a really lovely thing to have in your community.”
Lamarr added: “If you are stuck in a first floor, second floor flat with no garden with kids, it’s just a great thing to watch out the window.”
The gallery features a hand-written sign that encourages children and adults alike to contribute submissions, with the wall of the bus stop covered in drawings depicting everything from a unicorn and flowers to rainbows, which have come to symbolise positivity and solidarity with Britain’s healthcare workers during the outbreak.
Local residents can also share their artwork online as the gallery has its own Instagram account, which goes by the handle @busstopgallery.
One picture of flowers was accompanied with a message saying: “Let’s focus on the positive”, while another drawing of a Superman costume said: “Thank You Heroes” and listed a number of roles which frontline workers are continuing to carry out.
Several locals who have seen the artworks on the bus stop have said how much it improves their mood.
“People definitely need to see these messages and it just adds colour and a bit of fun and a bit of brightness to what otherwise could be a tough day for somebody,” said Vicky Leviten, a child minder and local resident.
“I think it just lifts the spirits, it’s fabulous.”
