David Tootill

Background

About David Tootill

Working with other artists and volunteers have succeeded in placing more than 250 installations in London's South Bank, including: signage, murals, seating, sculpture, paving and a fountain, since 2004. Our aim is to turn the street into a gallery and we have done this in several streets in the centre of London - particularly in roads that run beneath the railway lines out of Waterloo station. We are making and installing fine art work for public space, that should last for a long time, adding character and detail to our public realm. Working with people at risk of marginalisation to give them a step up towards achievement and inclusion. Providing an alternative to custody for young people in trouble with the law, who are able to serve sentences in our artisan studios and help us make our neighbourhood more attractive. The medium term aim is to give the criminal justice system an option to close prisons, that could save much money, support the rehabilitation of offenders, and ensure victims of crime do not have to pay twice - for an ineffective punishment as well as the crime (70% of short term prisoners re-offend, some reports suggest 95% of young offenders in prison have mental health issues and 25% self-harm). We support community pay-back sessions, seeking to provide creative alternatives and transform behaviour. The criminal justice system could use the notion of making my neighbourhood more attractive, in place of its impulse towards punishment. Specialities: Fine art mosaics and sculptures which create a sense of place. Working with teams of artists and volunteers improving the streets and public realm. 2 Books published and available now from website 1). Mosaic Artisans, tells the story of Southbank Mosaics and is a manifesto to improve the quality of public space. Celebrates the cosmopolitan culture of London.and 2). Queenhithe Mosaic, tells the story of the making of this Heritage mosaic, both at £4.99 for pdf version.