A new mural of Newham legend Dame Vera Lynn was unveiled this week by Virginia Lewis-Jones, Dame Vera’s daughter.
The council-sponsored mural from the specialist company Murwalls, is located at Latimer Avenue in Dame Vera’s birthplace, East Ham.
Dame Vera was known as the ‘Forces Sweetheart’ for her inspirational singing that inspired hope during the Second World War. The mural features the quote: ‘We’ll meet again’ a reference to Dame Vera’s iconic song from the war years.
The words gained new meaning during the Covid pandemic when Her Majesty used the line in the Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day 2020, inspiring the nation to be hopeful that in time we would all reconnect in person.
Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: “Dame Vera Lynn was the girl next door who represented a special symbol of the resilience of the East End and hope to our country in the Second World War. We are proud of her as a Newham legend, naming a street after her and she will always have a special place in hearts. So it is fitting that a year after her death, we are sponsoring this street mural in memory of her. Through this piece of beautiful visual art, we can celebrate Newham’s heritage in ways that are accessible and this reflects our approach to inclusive culture and arts”