Ms Grant is only partially correct with regard to paint applied to boarding on the facade of the building which has raised so much comment amongst residents. The sides of the pilasters and also their base have not been subject to any covering and paint appears to have been applied directly onto the surface of the building in these areas. Paint had also been applied directly onto the facade previously and the base of the building is covered with old boarding which is some places has rotted, suggesting a old attempts to cover up wear and tear. Therefore, both the present situation and also earlier neglect of the facade should be noted by The Putney Society in negative terms and with considerable concern.So much comment has has been made regarding the aesthetic of the new commissioned work that little remains to said although I wish to correct the commentator who in this forum confused my use of the term 'aesthetic' with the late 19th century Aesthetic Movement. In any case, the reason for this rash of street painting executed in different styles on Putney High street reflects a hope that it will help detract the public consciousness away from the affects of the present crisis in which shops and businesses falter and close. Yet, this allows real problems to be partially disguised such as the matter of high rents which is in many cases the cause of empty premises. This matter remains something that the government does not seem to be able to help solve and all local authorities are experiencing difficulties. However, in Putney and spite of three different organisations - Wandsworth Council, The Putney Society and Positively Putney - a coordinated approach to presentation appearance and cleanliness is markedly absent on the High Street. Any visitor to Putney is greeted (wether they are welcomed or not!) by old cracked paving, pale new paving slabs which swiftly become dirty, an abundance of litter of all types and generally ineffectual street cleaning, not to mention a lack of public toilets and Copenhagen crossings which are a danger to the old, disabled people or and unwary.Instead of painting over the cracks and making decisions with seemingly little thought for residents and visitors alike, if there are no definitive answers to the present state of Putney High Street a far more focussed approach is required.
Miles Thompson ● 1360d