Rooted in Culture & Colour

Charitable Auction Details

Rooted in Culture & Colour* Charity Auction 

 Thursday, 10th July 2025   6:30 - 9:00 pm 

Saturday 20th September 2025 3:00 - 6:00pm

 Tooting Hub, 7a Beechcroft Road, SW17 7BU 

Funding Urban Studio Sessions’ youth programs in art, music, dance, and urban sports 

R.S.V.P. Below
R.S.V.P.

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 luminaries 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.” The auction on Saturday, 20th September, 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, with bids expected to soar into five figures. The original which hangs permanently at the Family Hub will be present and presiding over the event, which will present the rare opportunity to own a fragment of local history has art circles buzzing.  We will also see a few selected young people receive their very own edition of the piece hopefully inspiring the next generation of future creatives.

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 trauma into art, 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.” 

Media and bidders can RSVP or arrange interviews contact Victoria via  events@michaelmappphotography.co.uk 

**Media Contact:** 

Victoria

Marketing & Events Manager 

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. 

Black History Month is celebrated across the U.K. in October. However, this year  Wandsworth Council will develop an extensive programme of events, with African and  Caribbean history, culture and heritage celebrated all year round with the launch of a  programme called Black History 365. Black Wandsworth is one of the first projects to be  launched with Artist and Social Entrepreneur Michael Mapp, a black resident of  Wandsworth. 

The exhibition will has been extend at the request of the D.R.C.A. and will remain open to the public for and Unaccompanied View until further notice.( Please note this is a working space so the showrooms could be in use when you plan to visit)

  Monday - Friday 9am - 5 pm

Artist Tours By Appointment only Monday - Friday 10am - 12:00pm

Buzz the D.R.C.A. Buzz if the door is closed and state your intentions

Black History Month reception evening

Friday 27th October 6:30 - 10 pm

33 Charlotte Despard Ave,

London SW11 5JE.

Please R.S.V.P Below.

An exhibition commissioned by Wandsworth Councils Black History 365 initiative to celebrate Black History 365 days of the year.

Supported by The D.R.C.A.