How We Started

The idea for Marley the Mammoth began with a simple question: how can we celebrate Ilford’s unique history while bringing people together through creativity and sustainability?

We were inspired by the incredible work of artist Caitlin Artherton, who created the UK’s largest recycled plastic bottle lid mural. Her innovative approach to combining public art with environmental awareness felt like the perfect fit for Ilford Lane – a place rich in history and full of community spirit.

Caitlin joined the project as lead artist and quickly began engaging local schools and residents through a series of hands-on workshops. Children explored how art and recycling can go hand in hand, designing parts of the mural while learning about colour, texture, and the creative potential of everyday waste materials.

You can read more about Caitlin’s work and the early stages of the project here:
🔗 Recycled Plastic Bottle Caps Mural

From these workshops and community conversations, Marley the Mammoth was born – a powerful symbol of the past, created for the future.