“To say we underestimated the interest the mural would generate is an understatement.”

The flood occurred on 31st January 1953 after a tidal surge came down the North Sea, 58 people lost their lives and the Island was evacuated.

The Friends of Concord Beach worked with Canvey Community Archive to create information packs to inform each of the mural panels that were designed to run along the current flood defence wall at Canvey’s Concorde beach.  Ten artists came forward, each painting a panel depicting an aspect of the story of the flood. They were helped by young people from the community.

Many more people than usual visited the beach during the painting of the mural. Thousands came to see the work in progress, engaging with artists and the Friends of Concord Beach members to learn more about the heritage of the sea wall and the impact of the flood. Walking tours looked at the history of the flood defences.

People felt pride in their local area and the creation of the mural has made a lasting difference to the Canvey Island Community. There has been an increase in footfall to the area, benefitting local businesses. Artists have come forward to paint other murals on the sea wall and attendance at Community Archive’s events has increased with more local people wanting to find out about their heritage and share their own story. “We have an island community that is extremely proud of their mural and more knowledgeable about their heritage.”