Rooted in Culture & Colour
"Welcome Tooting"
Charitable Auction Details
Rooted in Culture & Colour* Charity Auction
TBC
Michael's first public commission for Wandsworth Borough Council on display at Tooting Family Hub,
Michael Mapp’s “Welcome Tooting” is rooted Culture & Colour, a riotous ode to Tooting’s soul is no longer just a mural. It’s the centrepiece of a new Identity for Tooting Family Hub. Unveiled by London Mayor Sir. Sadiq Khan M.B.E. As part of the regeneration of Tooting Family Hub included in the London Borough of Culture celebrations, this kaleidoscopic testament to community and creativity has become a cultural seed. Only one large-scale edition of the work is being made available for public ownership through a charitable auction, with the other nine residing in the private collections of individuals including Khan himself, Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg, and Tooting’s MP Rosena Allin-Khan.
The artwork is a symphony of Afro-Caribbean patterns, South Asian motifs, swagger and landmarks, having been hailed as “the visual anthem of modern Tooting." It will be held at Tooting Family Hub promises to be a landmark event. Not just for collectors, but for the borough’s youth. Proceeds will fund Urban Studio Sessions C.I.C., the nonprofit co-founded by Mapp that has transformed thousands of lives through free arts and urban sports programs.
The exclusivity of *Welcome Tooting* has drawn high-profile admirers. London Mayor Sir. Sadiq Khan M.B.E., who acquired one of the ten editions, alongside Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg, a staunch advocate for Tooting’s regeneration. Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Tooting and A&E doctor, securing another for her personal collection.
“These aren’t just owners—they’re custodians of Tooting’s story,” says Mapp. “This art belongs to the public and you would be in the select few in the world that could view it at home, and your effort and support ensures its legacy fuels the next generation.”
The sole publicly available edition, a considerable 3 x 4 ft giclée print will be auctioned live at Tooting Hub,
For Mapp, the auction is deeply personal. “Urban Studio Sessions started with the stroke of a pen, and an idea” he explains. “Now, this sale will fund our new Creative Resilience Program—helping kids turn their passion into art, taming chaos into choreography.”
Michael’s work isn’t just beautiful—it’s a lifeline. Buying this piece isn’t a transaction; it’s an investment into young people’s creative future.”
A culturally rich exhibition entitled "Black Wandsworth" was launched in South London. Curated by Michael Mapp, Black Wandsworth is a Celebration of the contribution to culture and society by people from the African diaspora in Wandsworth. The project is funded by Wandsworth Council- Black History 365 and was opened by The Worshipful, the Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Juliana Annan.
An exhibition commissioned by Wandsworth Councils Black History 365 initiative to celebrate Black History 365 days of the year.
