Children’s artwork inspired by Stephen Lawrence on show at Woolwich Works

Artwork created by local schoolchildren to mark the anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s death has gone on display at Woolwich Works.

Schools across the borough of Greenwich commemorated Stephen Lawrence Day on April 22 with events and activities including planting a rose bush, running awareness workshops and holding special assemblies.

The exhibition at Woolwich Works shows some of the art, poetry and writing that children created last week. The venue held an event last Friday where pupils showcased a mix of poetry, painting, and writing inspired by Stephen’s legacy.

Stephen was killed in a racist attack on Well Hall Road in Eltham on April 22, 1993. He would have been 50 in September. The 18-year-old, who was from Woolwich, was a sixth-form student at Blackheath Bluecoat School, which closed a decade ago. 

The consequences of his murder and the botched police investigation still reverberate 31 years on. Last week the Metropolitan Police said an independent police force would review its investigation, while last year the BBC identified a sixth suspect in the case. 

Stephen’s father, Neville Lawrence, visited St Margaret’s Primary School in Plumstead to speak to pupils. He said: “Stephen has touched a lot of lives and made them better. It’s my loss, but he’s done what he was sent here for.  Stephen’s legacy is the fact that people can look at each other and say, ‘well, I’ll never do that to someone’s family again.’”

A Greenwich Council spokesperson said: “It’s so important to share Stephen’s story with the next generation, and to keep his memory alive. Together we can learn from the tragedy of Stephen’s death and use his legacy to motivate ourselves to drive forward the changes we still need in our society.”

The Legacy of Stephen Lawrence exhibition is on display in the café area at Woolwich Works until Tuesday May 7.