Nuclear Dawn Mural

The Nuclear Dawn Mural is situated on the Victoria façade of Carlton Mansions in Brixton. The mural was created by artist and political activist Brian Barnes, with the assistance of twenty residents in 1981; it is a rare surviving visual commentary on the period known as the ‘Second Cold War’, when the threat of nuclear attack was a fear in the UK.

Over the last three decades the condition of the mural has deteriorated, and it has been the target of various campaigns of graffiti. In addition to this the area surrounding Carlton Mansions was earmarked for regeneration in 2015.

Campbell Smith & Co were commissioned to undertake a full condition survey of the mural in the summer of 2018, in order to provide evidence of significance, record the mural in its current state, produce a schedule of works for the conservation of the original mural and provide proposals for reinstatement.

The survey was undertaken by the conservation team, via a cherry picker. Results were documented with extensive record photography and condition mapping; all of which was collated into a comprehensive condition report and treatment proposal.